
Book ^ "r- 



Goipghtl^?. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSre 



ENTERTAINMENTS 

FOR ALL 

SEASONS 



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HOSPITALITY EXEMPLIFIED FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW 
YEARS, valentine's DAY, EASTER, THE FOURTH 
OF JULY, HALLOWE'EN AND ANY OTHER TIME IN 
THE YEAR WHEN SOME SPECIAL TREAT IS DESIRED 



9 <> O 

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NEW YORK 

S, H. MOORE & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 



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UBRAflfY Qf COWeRESS 
Two OoiMes ff««ived 

AUG 13 1904 

I Ofpyfi^nt Entry 

CLAS& CL> XXe. Na 

^ 8^ S- ^ 
COPY A 



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Copyright, 1904 
By S. H, Moore & Company 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

I. ENTERTAINMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS . 7 

A Merry Christmas Dinner — A Christmas 
Eve Party — A Merry English Christmas — A 
Stocking Luncheon — Substitutes for the 
Christmas Tree — A Christmas Entertainment 
Without a Christmas Tree — Christmas Tree 
Decorations — A Kris Kringle Party — Some 
Ideas for Christmas. 

II. NEW YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENTS . . 21 

A Jingle Party — A Calendar Contest — A New 
Year's Tea — A New Year's Novelty. 

III. VALENTINE AFFAIRS 29 

A Pink Valentine Party— A Heart Party— A 
Home-Made Valentine Party — A Wish-Bone 
Tea— On St. Valentine's Night— A Village 
Post Office— A Cupid Party. 

IV. FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY . . 41 

A Washington Evening — A Cherry-Tree 
Party — A Martha Washington Tea Party. 

V. FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY .... 48 
A Shamrock Luncheon — A Unique Score 
Card Idea. 

VI. EASTER PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS . . 51 
An Eastertide Luncheon — A Lily Luncheon — 
Easter Suggestions — Novel Dinner Cards 
for Easter. 

VII. FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES ... 62 
A Liberty Luncheon — A Cracker Party— For 
a Patriotic Entertainment — A Red, White and 
Blue Luncheon — Patriotic Stars of Liberty — 
A Fourth of July Porch Party — A Patriotic 
Sunset Tea — A Patriotic Luncheon — Miss 
Columbia's Tea Party. 

VIII. FOR HALLOWE'EN 77 

The Hallowe'en Party — A Hallowe'en Festival. 



TASLE or CONTENTS 

PAGB 

IX. THANKSGIVING DINNERS AND REUNIONS 84 
Harvest Home Festivities — Thanksgiving Tea 
—By Way of Decoration — A Table Decoration. 

X. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CHURCH BAZAAR 94 
Two Ways of Raising Money— An Old Fash- 
ioned Bazaar — A Morning Glory Fair — A 
Walking Grab-Bag — A Measuring Party — En- 
tertainment for a Church Sociable — A '' Box 
Table " — A Poppy Fair — Flower Fetes — A 
Food Sale — An Old-time Market for a Fair — 
A Wistaria Fair — A Strawberry Regale — A 
Fishing Party — A Cake Sale — A Pedler's 
Parade — A College Fair. 

XI. CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENTS . . 116 

Helpful Suggestions — A Children's Fair — A 
Pleasing " Frolic " — A Soap Bubble Party — 
A Mother Goose Carnival — A Potato Doll Con- 
test — A Jolly Popcorn Party — An Orange 
Party — A Doll Show — A May Party Luncheon — 
Tom Thumb and His Wife — A Japanese Fete. 

XII. MISCELLANEOUS DINNERS AND PARTIES 131 
Novel Table Souvenirs — A Progressive Din- 
ner — An Up-to-Date Affair — A Shore Dinner — 
For a Party Entertainment — An Art Museum — 
A Musical Luncheon — Another Musical 
Luncheon — A Musical Evening — Suggestions 
for Thimble Parties — An Autumn Breakfast — 
A Maize Party — A Fortune-Telling Tea — Celeb- 
rities (A Game) — A House-Top Party — A Pin 
Party — A Digital Diversion — Floral Games — 
Novel Fads in Entertainments — A Lemon 
Party — A Mexican Luncheon — A Trolley Pic- 
nic — A Ping Pong Party — An Evening in Ye 
Forest of Arden — A Butterfly Party — Literary 
Tableaux — The Milkmaid's Recreation — An 
Evening with Queens — A Birthday with the 
Senses — A House Picnic — Indoor Amusements 
— Progressive Letters — A Proverbial Evening 
— Ideas for Home Parties — An Oyster Roast — 
A Knickerbocker Tea — A Jules Verne Enter- 
tainment — A Porch Party — Flower Contest — 
A Bloomer Social — Foliage Frolic — A May 
Day Dinner — A Peanut Party — A Mayflower 
Concert — Light Refreshments. 

XIII. A PARLOR PLAY 209 

The Lippincott Square Church Coup. 



PREFACE 

Half of the joy of living comes through the pleasure 
derived from social intercourse with those near and dear 
to us in family ties, and in extending the hospitality of 
our homes to our friends. The heart is thus kept warm, 
and the worries and cares of life are permitted to drop 
off, as we meet about the festal board and the fireside to 
renew and strengthen the ties of love and friendship. 

Inasmuch as suggestions for home entertainment are 
always eagerly welcomed, we have, by special request, 
compiled in this little volume the choicest things along 
this line which have appeared from time to time in The 
Ladies' World under the caption of **The Pleasure 
of Others." 

In compiling this material, the editor has aimed to 
not only cover the various seasons of the year, such as 
Christmas, New Year's, the Fourth of July, Hallowe'en 
and other holidays, but also to give suggestions for 
miscellaneous affairs which can be carried out at any 
time. 

The contributions are from the pens of such well- 
known writers as Ellen Frizell WyckofT, Louise E. Dew, 
Carrie May Ashton, Anna Hinrichs, Ruth Virginia 
Sackett, Helen M. Richardson, Helen Bertha Crane, 



FRETACZ 

Mary Hicks Bush, Katherine Bell Tippets, Marjorie 
March, Mary B. Keech, Inez Redding, and many other 
old friends. 

We have also incorporated in this collection a play 
suitable for a parlor or church entertainment entitled 
**The Lippincott Square Church Coup," a comedy in 
three acts by Mary Wakeman Botsford, copies of which 
have been called for so many times since it was pub- 
lished in The Ladies' World, that we therefore take 
this opportunity to preserve it in permanent form. 

THE EDITOR. 



I 
Entertainments for Christmas 

"Ai Christmas play and viake good cheery 
For Christmas comes but once a year** 



A Merry Christmas Dinner 
T'HE dining-room is bright and warm, and a merry 
^ company of girls and boys that are like pictures in 
their Mother Goose costumes are gathered at one end. 
The table is laid in the center. Someone sings the 
little jingle : 

" Mary, Mary, quite contrary, 

How does your garden grow?'* 

And ''Mary,'' hurrying from the room, returns with a 
great, glowing posy of real or paper flowers, as suits her 
contrary ladyship. 

'' Pease pudding hot, pease pudding cold,'' sings the 
master of ceremonies, and the merry company is seated 
and quaint bowls of soup placed before them. 

"The old man of Tobago" follows this with a leg of 
mutton, and his majesty has placed before him a ''dainty 
dish" indeed — a golden-brown bird pie. Mother Hub- 
bard brings bread from the baker's ; the Httle boy and 
girl who have "waited at the gate" bring a "golden 
butter cake." 

Simple Simon ushers in "the pie man," and the 
baker's boy brings in genuine "hot cross buns." Little 
Jack Horner donates his celebrated "Christmas pie," and 
from over the sea Bobby Shafto brings comfits and fruits. 
Tommy Tucker sings for his supper, and when he has 
had it, Old King Cole calls for "his fiddlers three," and 
the picture-book people of our childhood dance or play 
merry games. 



8 ENTLKTAINHENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

The costumes are most of them made of cambric and 
crepe paper. There are many pretty drills and games 
and simple dances that little folks learn easily. Besides, 
there are tableaus and character recitations. Someone 
with a gift for rhyming and an ear for jingles can easily 
lengthen old verses and improvise new ones. These can 
be fitted to merry tunes and a bit of singing added to the 
evening's entertainment. 

This is a mere suggestion, of course. The characters 
and the menu must be suited to the company and also to 
the purse of the hostess. 

Quaint little invitation cards may have drawn in pencil 
a comical white-capped waiter ringing an old-fashioned 
tea-bell, and these, or similar lines : 
" Bread and butter — 
Come to supper." 

The ^'supper" may be very simple. The queen may 
share her *' bread and honey," little Miss Muffet brings 
her *^ curds and whey,'' Jack Sprat and his wife furnish 
sandwiches, and '* My Sister Molly and I serve tea." 

A study of the really fascinating nursery jingles will 
bring out new ideas that are sure to develop into available 
plans. The costumes must be very characteristic, k 
must be quite impossible to mistake Bo Peep for any 
other maiden, or Little Boy Blue for any other lad. 

This is the prettiest sort of a Christmas party, especially 
if there is a little good acting. Suppose Tom, the Piper's 
son, that marvelous and irresistible musician, begins one 
of his lively tunes. At first only the giddy, light-minded 
characters, like Simple Simon, Margery Daw and Old 
King Cole dance ; while such dignified people as Mother 
Hubbard, Jack Sprat, and the old woman who swept the 
cobwebs out of the sky, regard them with disdain. But 
one by one this august company is melted by the compell- 
ing strains, until at length all are dancing and laughing 
merrily. 

Nobody else has ever done so much for the happiness 
of the little folks as the woman who wrote the Mother 
Goose jingles. None of us ever outgrows them. 



ZNJLnJAINJ^LNJS lOR CHJilSTTIAS 9 

A Christmas Eve Party 

lUE were a family of adults, and for many years the 
* ' good old-fashioned Christmas tree had been a thing 
of the past. Why, I do not know ; for there is certainly no 
reason why the merry spirit o. the blessed season should 
be showered only upon those whose tender years pro- 
claim them to be of the Christ Child's kingdom. Those 
older brothers and sisters who are striving and struggling 
need also their share of festivity and fun. In conclave 
assembled we decided we would work hard to bring back 
the old-time sense of mystery, the old-time sensation of 
the good time imminent, which tingles the nerves and 
warms the heart. 

The breakfast plates should no longer bear our 
presents, in their matter of fact service. We would have 
a real merry-making, or die in the attempt. Well, we 
didn't die, and we did have a good time, and this is the 
brief story of its production : 

The family owned a poet. Most families do if they 
are not too critical of his or her wares. This time the 
poet was of the feminine gender, and she assumed control 
of the mysterious packages which were deposited in 
her care. 

The magic hours came at last, those which are desig- 
nated Christmas Eve, and the family and a few intimate 
friends, who, by the way, brought their children with 
them, for every complete party needs a childish laugh to 
enliven it. The big brother of the family, who was 
dressed to impersonate Santa Claus, welcomed his guests 
to the parlor, where the Christmas tree stood. It was 
aglow with lights and glittering ornaments, but the gifts, 
before they had been suspended from the green branches, 
had been securely wrapped in tissue papers tied with red 
ribbons. These packages were mysteriously sealed with 
wax, the stem of a bit of holly being imprisoned, and 
each parcel was clearly numbered. 

When all his guests had assembled, Santa Claus 
proclaimed that he had volunteered to help the postman, 



10 ENrZ-RTAINNLNTS TOn ALL SEASONS 

who was greatly overworked at this busy season, and he 
produced from his pack a letter for each person. Upon 
the envelopes containing the letters were effectively 
painted sprigs of mistletoe, and each was sealed with a 
red heart, typical of the love of the sender of the gift upon 
the tree. This gift bore the corresponding number to that 
of the enclosed letter, wherein was written a nonsense 
rhyme or other verse or prose description of the hidden 
present. 

A silk work-bag, for instance, suggested these lines : 

" There once was a lady so nimble. 
With thread and with needle and thimble, 
That she lost them — all three — 
Till she found them in me, 
Which I trust is a favoring symbol." 

A briar-wood pipe bore this couplet : 

'' May I waft away in smoke 
All life's burdens from your yoke?" 

And a tiny clock proclaimed : 

" There once was an hour so free 
I wondered what time it could be. 
So I opened my eyes 
In joyful surprise 
When your face told its message to me." 

While a new book mystified us all by this statement : 

^' If he who runs indeed may read. 
Take time to ride this latest steed." 

The rhymes caused much merriment. Santa Claus 
provided each guest with a paper and pencil to record 
their guess as to the character of the described gift. And 
these were afterward opened amid much laughter, and a 
prize awarded to the compiler of the most complete list. 

Supper followed. A typical Christmas *'high tea" 
spread forth in the dining-room upon the uncovered sur- 
face of the gleaming mahogany table. The hostess pre- 
sided over the teacups at one end, and the old family 
silver never appeared to better advantage. 

Candelabra, at the four corners of the table, shed soft 
light. The centerpiece was a star of snowy-white cotton, 



ZNTL'RJAINNZNTS TOU CHmSTNAS \\ 

supposed to represent snow, and this was profusely 
sprinkled with diamond-dust, a glistening thing of beauty, 
while upon it bloomed a vase of Christmas roses, white 
and dewy, glad messengers of the purity of life. The old- 
fashioned gold and white china was used, and the simple 
menu was as follows : 

Chicken Salad, graced with holly sprays. 

Star-shaped Sandwiches. 

Fancy Ices, in bell shapes. 

Spice Cake, hghted by tiny white candles. 

Candies. Nuts. Raisins. 

At the close of the supper a surprise came to the 
guests in the sudden sound of carols, sung beneath the 
broad window sill, outside the dining-room. The voices 
were those of the church quartette, who had been engaged 
to render this service, and the real spirit of the holy sea- 
son was borne into the hearts of the merry-makers as 
they listened to Adeste Fideles, and later, to the ever-to- 
live words of Bishop Brooks's carol : 

*' O little town of Bethlehem.'* 

The clock struck twelve as the last notes died away, 
and beneath the stars, the witnesses of the ages, we 
knew again the tidings of great joy. 

^^ 
A Merry English Christmas 
A VERY delightful day, quite out of the usual Christmas 
-^ programme, can be had by observing the old-time 
fashion of merry England. 

At a unique entertainment of this nature the oaken 
tables were bare of cloths, and the only illuminations 
used were waxed tapers in candlesticks of antique brass 
and iron. The menu cards were printed in old English 
text and surmounted by a paper doll dressed in mediaeval 
English costume, the head of which was the photograph 
of the guest who was to occupy the seat. 

A huge boar's head, fashioned from dough, proved a 
unique decoration of the groaning board, and when lifted 
from its pedestal revealed a dish of creamed oysters. 

A turkey masqueraded as * * Ye Royal Peacock, ' ' The 



12 ZNTETiTAINNZNTS TO'R ALL SEASONS 

huge wassail cup was passed around and partaken of by 
all, but it contained nothing more than grape-juice in 
place of the old-time ancestral brew of October ale or 
steaming punch. An immense mince-pie and a genuine 
plum-pudding, which had been concocted two years be- 
fore this festive occasion, completed the epicurean feast. 

Each guest was requested to hang a Christmas stock- 
ing on the old-fashioned chimney-piece, which was effect- 
ively decorated with holly and other greens and illumin- 
ated with candles. 

A Yule-tide song was rendered, after which the Yule 
log was brought in, and being lit, exploded with a sharp 
report, scattering over the floor bright, rosy apples. 

Old-fashioned games completed the day's festivities. 

A Stocking Luncheon 
A STOCKING luncheon or tea is both novel and pleas- 
•^ ing as a Christmas entertainment, and can be easily 
arranged. 

Decorate the fireplace with the usual holiday greens, 
and suspend from it stockings for each guest, filled with 
simple and amusing gifts. The table can be made at- 
tractive by means of holly and running pine. Decorate 
the place cards with a sketch of a chimney hung with 
stockings and appropriate Christmas sentiment, and on 
the other side the name and date. 

The favors may consist of unique little sachets in the 
shape of stockings, ornamented with a brief Christmas 
sentiment, either original or quoted. 

" Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men," 
is particularly suitable for these sachets. 

A miniature tree, lighted by tiny wax tapers and dec- 
orated with the usual decorations, makes a unique center- 
piece. 

Have a tin cutter made at the tinner's in the shape of 
a small stocking, with which the sandwiches and cakes 
can be cut. 

The ice cream can be molded in same form. 



N' 



LNTZ'RTAINJ^ENJS FOR CHKISTTIAS 13 

Substitutes for the Christinas Tree 

OT infrequently someone complains of being tired of 

the customary tree and stockings, and would like 
something out of the ordinary in the way of a Christmas 
entertainment. 

A Rainbow offers a pleasing novelty. This should be 
painted on strong unbleached muslin, the inner part of the 
bow being cut out, the upper corners above it being left 
square, to better fasten it. 

Storm clouds in gray and black can be put in roughly 
above the bow. 

This novel rainbow can be stretched across one comer 
or end of the room. 

Various-hued bags in every conceivable size and de- 
scription, fashioned of silk, linen, cretonne, chamois skin, 
and even cheese-cloth, can be used for the gifts, one for 
each member of the household, and suspended from the 
ends of the rainbow. 

A Ladder^ trimmed with running pine and other 
greens and holly berries, is decidedly effective and is 
sometimes used as a Christmas feature, the gifts being 
suspended from the rounds. 

A Ship, if properly proportioned, can be made most 
attractive, but means far more work than a tree. 

For a children's party, Jack Horner's Pie affords no 
end of mirth. The gifts chosen should be amusing and in- 
expensive, and selected with a view to appropriateness. 

The Old Woman Who Lived in Her Shoe is sometimes 
used as an amusing entertainment for a children's party. 

A pleasing literary salad will add much to the dinner's 
entertainment. 

The salad-dish is filled with odd-shaped cups, whose 
five points are held together by means of scarlet-hued 
baby ribbon. 

These cups can be fashioned of card-board or water- 
color paper. When opened they form a large star appro- 
priately ornamented with holly berries or mistletoe and a 
Christmas sentiment from some well-known author. 



14 ENJEnTAlNNLNTS F07i ALL SEASONS 

Each quotation is numbered, and the guest is expected 
to give the author's name. 

Another bowl contains small packages corresponding 
in numbers to those on the star cups. These are used as 
favors, and should consist of trifling gifts appropriate to 
the season. 

Those failing to give the author's name are expected 
to pay a forfeit of some kind, as the hostess sees fit. 
Sometimes it is to recite a poem, tell a story, sing a song 
or write an original jingle. 

Any hostess who possesses originality and ingenuity 
can devise many novel and attractive features for her 
Christmas feast. If she does not possess this rare quality, 
let her consult some clever friend, who will be only too 
glad to assist her at this glad holiday season. 

A Christmas Entertainment Without a Christmas Tree 
DECAUSE an evergreen tree is so beautiful an object 
^ and takes so long to grow, and its cutting down and 
consequent destruction seemed so cruel a waste of beauty 
for a few hours' display, a certain Committee on Christ- 
mas Entertainment last year decided to use a substitute. 
Then, too, would be avoided the danger of fire from the 
tiny candles, a danger always lurking in their presence 
among so much inflammable material. 

The hall was tastefully decorated with wreaths and 
garlands of laurel, hemlock and running pine, made up 
from small twigs, sprays and vines, and brightened by 
stars and anchors and other emblems in the brilliant ber- 
ries of bittersweet and holly. One of the largest packing- 
boxes that could be found was procured and lined and 
covered inside and out with crepe paper over manila 
wrapping paper. On the outside, rows of brass-headed 
tacks were driven, the heads left standing out to serve to 
hang candy-bags on. 

Dainty bags of pink scrim, filled with sweets, were 
then hung all over the outside of the box, contrasting 
prettily with the fresh green of the crepe paper. Gold 



ZNTZnTAINJlENTS TOK CHKIST/IAS IS 

tinsel was afterward wound in and out, and here and 
there Httle brilliantly colored glass balls were suspended, 
so that a glittering effect was produced to please the 
children's eyes. The box was then mounted on a large 
table, the legs of which were covered with evergreens. 
All the top that showed was covered with green crepe 
paper, and a rope of greens laid around the bottom of 
the box at the outer edges. From the edge of the table- 
top hung a fringe of tinsel and colored glass balls, and 
the effect was really as pretty as one could desire. Inside 
the box were heaped the Christmas gifts in packages tied 
up with gay ribbons. 

The children had been kept in the dark as to the na- 
ture of the arrangements, being invited to sing and to 
recite, so were completely surprised when they were 
ushered into the hall and heard the secretary announce 
that she had received a letter from Santa Claus by wire- 
less telegraph, and would now read it : 

Dear Madam : 

I had meant to spend 

An evening in your hall, 
But accidents, as well you know, 

Will happen to us all. 

As I was coming from the Pole 

My reindeer ran awayi; 
They banged into an iceberg huge 

And overturned the sleigh. 

I hired an automobile then, 

My journey to pursue, 
But now the power has given out, 

And I'm at Kal'mazoo. 

I might come on a railroad train 

Or an electric car, 
But I'm afraid I'd be too late, 

Because it is so far. 

It*s lucky that I sent your box 

By freight three weeks ago, 
For you can have your presents now. 

Though I'm not there, you know. 



16 ENTZnTAINJ^ENTS WK ALL SEASONS 

I send this explanation through 

By wireless telegraph, 
For though I'm old I'm up-to-date. 

(Did I hear someone laugh ?) 

Next year Santos Dumont'll have 

My air-ship finished quite, 
And then I'll not be cheated 

As I was, alas, to-night ! 

My love to all inquiring friends ; 

Wish I was there, but laws ! 
There's no use cryin' for spilt milk, 

So Merry Christmas ! 

Santa Claus. 

The children looked rather blue, but the entertainment 
commenced. We had recitations and songs, and when it 
was over we went up to the box as if to give out the pres- 
ents. Suddenly there was a great clatter, and in rushed the 
jolly old Saint himself with a big market-basket. (Some- 
one had consented at the last minute to take the part. ) 

He explained that a good old farmer, who belonged 
to the Grange, had lent him a sleigh and one of those 
animals fast going out of use, a good, old-fashioned 
horse, who could go like the wind ; and so he had ar- 
rived in time. 

After the gifts were distributed, games and more 
singing completed the evening's enjoyment. 

Christmas Tree Decorations 

CPRUCE and fir trees are the most desirable varieties 
^ for Christmas trees. The tree must be well pro- 
portioned and have a firm foundation ; drape dark-green 
cambric around the base, and over this heap green 
boughs. 

There are two distinct methods of decorating the tree, 
both of which are attractive — purchased ornaments or 
those made at home. Finances and environments 
should decide. 

Among the decorations ingenious, loving fingers can 



make or use, are popcorn balls, the gingerbread men of 
our grandmother's days, supplemented by gingerbread 
fairies, tiny baskets holding small doughnut balls, tarlatan 
bags of candy, raisins and nuts, rosy apples, rich yellow 
oranges, festive garlands of cranberries. Several sticks 
of candy tied together with ribbon are gay ; cornucopias 
filled to overflowing are a holiday delight. 

Snow and snowballs (cotton), red and white crepe 
paper chains, troops of gay paper dolls, silver beads (tin 
foil), gilt paper stars and fancy sachets are desirable. 

English walnuts may be either gilded or wrapped in 
tin foil and tied on the tree with narrow ribbon or dainty 
cord. Clusters of holly leaves and berries are artistic. 
Excellent home-made candies are a treat. 

A vast array of ornaments may be purchased — gilt 
paper fans and arrows, tinsel icicles, fancy glass balls, 
tiny candles, frost powder, brilliant paper flowers, bells, 
quaint little baskets of nuts adorned with ribbons, fancy 
candy boxes decorated with paper flowers, bright red 
cherries in wax, rich yellow peaches of glass, candy flags 
and animals, shells, fairy lamps, musical figures, attractive 
glass canaries, small lanterns, brilliant china peacocks 
(proud of their contents of bonbons), miniature banjo 
and drum. Gay red ribbon may be gracefully draped. 
Bright tinsel ropes, also those of holly and mistletoe, are 
popular. 

Over the tree arrange one of the little wax angels, 
which cost from one dollar to three ; or an evergreen 
'' Star of Peace.'' 

Christmas happiness begins weeks before the holi- 
day itself. 

Lovingly teach the children how much Christmas 
belongs to them; for really it is the ''Children's Holi- 
day." Often the small men and women are of great serv- 
ice in preparing the pretty decorations. 

A novel idea is to ask each member of the family to 
give at least one present which shall cost only five cents. 
Some of these small gifts are very successful. One 
prominent woman's club in a large city last year had a 



18 ZNTLnTAINJiLNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

tree for its members ; only five-cent presents were allowed. 
It was one of the merriest events of the holiday season. 
The list included doilies, pincushions, dolls, blue prints, 
neckties, home-made candy, postage stamp cases, toys, 
doughnut animals and people, bags of popcorn fritters, 
stick pins, pin trays. Other suggestions were carnations, 
clusters of gay holly, charcoal sketches, calendars, choco- 
late novelties (figures and animals), or fancy boxes filled 
with candy at fifty cents a dozen, bring each gift within 

the limit. 

^^ 

A Kris Kringle Party 
HTHE entertainment and jollity that a Kris Kringle party 
^ affords to boys and girls of all ages, and even to staid 
fathers and mothers, depends upon the ingenuity, tact 
and skill of the one who manages it. 

That it must be held on Christmas Eve, and with an 
impersonator of Kris Kringle, are the only inviolable rules. 

The entertainment may be as simple or as elaborate 
as the hostess chooses. 

The invitations are sometimes written on the inside of 
paper that is shaped like a stocking, and printed in colors 
to represent one on the outside, or on regulation shaped 
paper or cards decorated in one corner with a jolly Kris 
Kringle flying over the snow behind his reindeers, just 
ready to start down a chimney with his load of gifts, or 
busily filling the ''stockings hung by the chimney with 
care. ' ' 

The most delightful Kris Kringle entertainments 
always have more or less mystery and uncertainty about 
them, although one is sure that the house will be gayly 
decorated, and that there will be music, dancing, games 
and light refreshments. 

At one party a jolly fur-clad Kris Kringle, with pranc- 
ing steeds and a capacious sleigh, carries the guests back 
and forth from their homes ; at another the old fellow 
appears just in time to unload a brilliant Christmas tree. 

Again, he comes out of a huge, make-believe chim- 
ney with fireplace, and distributes his gifts from a mon- 



ZNTEKTAINJiZNTS FOU CHTdSTJ^AS 19 

strous stocking, or has a fancy stocking for each guest in 

his regulation shoulder pack. 

Often there are tableaus or a bright one-act play by 

some of the company. At a charming one given last 

season for children whose ages ranged from black-eyed 

baby Margaret to maidens and youths, a series of stere- 

opticon pictures were given, including views of Jerusalem, 

Bethlehem and other places of interest in the Holy Land ; 

the last showing the Three Wise Men paying homage to 

the Babe in the manger. As each was shown it was 

simply explained by the hostess. The older children 

joined her in singing Phillips Brooks's exquisite little 

Christmas hymn commencing : 

'* O little town of Bethlehem, 
How still I see thee lie." 

Could a more fascinating method of impressing children 
with sacred history and the origin of the day be desired ? 

^^ 
Some Ideas for Christmas 

GOOD SUBSTITUTES FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE 

r^HRISTMAS trees never lose their charm for the chil- 
^ dren ; yet it sometimes becomes necessary, or advisa- 
ble, to vary the attraction, and following are some 
novelties which have proved very satisfactory substitutes, 
either for church or home use. 

**The Copper Toe Shoe'* is an odd conceit very easily 
gotten up. The first requisite is an immense shoe of 
some substantial material, having as near a representation 
as possible to a ''copper toe." 

The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe may be a 
little tot in appropriate costume, with as many of her 
numerous children as can easily be crowded into the shoe, 
beside her. Some one dressed as Santa Claus suddenly 
bursts into the room, and is greeted by a chorus of child- 
ish voices as he swings his pack from his shoulder and 
opens it, presenting a gift to each of the delighted little 
ones, who at a command from their mother instantly leave 
the shoe, to make room for another group of their many 



20 ENJEnTAlN^IENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

brothers and sisters, provided the number attending the 
entertainment is too large to be seated in the shoe at 
one time. 

The reseating continues, until each child has been 
supplied with a gift. 

Shadow Pantomime is another pleasing entertainment. 
The room is darkened, and the shadows are thrown upon 
a large white curtain, the acting behind the curtain being 
done by the children. This includes the hanging of the 
stocking beside the chimney, by the child, the mother 
putting the child to bed, the arrival of Santa Claus down 
the chimney with his pack, the awakening of the child in 
the morning, and looking at her gifts. This part of the 
entertainment pleases the children very much, and it is 
impossible for them to restrain their enthusiasm. 

At another church festival, Santa Claus first stepped 
forward and received gifts which the children handed him 
for distribution among the poor people, including cloth- 
ing, boots and shoes, and useful articles, besides dolls and 
toys for the children. After receiving these presents, 
Santa Claus then distributed his gifts, and it would have 
been hard to decide which gave the children most pleasure, 
the presents they received, or those they gave away. 

At still another chapel, Santa Claus was represented 
by a little boy, who suddenly arrived in the midst of the 
children on a sled drawn by six little children in long 
white dresses. Here the Christmas pack also was in 
evidence, and upon his arrival, Santa Claus at once pro- 
ceeded to distribute the presents that filled it. 

In the center of another vestry rose a bower of Christ- 
mas greens powdered with glistening snow (represented 
by cotton sprinkled with coarse salt). Approaching it 
was a long chute, down which Santa Claus came sliding 
on a large red sled with his pack on his back. 



II 

New Yearns Entertainments 



A Jingle Party 
HTHE following plan for an evening entertainment has 
-"■been found so novel and charming that it may not 
come amiss to other hostesses. 

The names of those to take part — say twenty persons 
— are written on separate slips, and several days before- 
hand each guest-to-be draws a name from the hat or other 
receptacle provided. Or the hostess may conscientiously 
draw for her guests and forward the name which fell to 
a certain guest to that person. The one receiving the 
name must write a verse suited to that individual, or else 
descriptive of the simple gift which each bestows with his 
composition. 

The writings are to be disguised, so that no one knows 
their origin or that of the accompanying gift. Sometimes 
the verse is in the form of an acrostic composed of the 
name of the person to whom the verse is addressed. 

At a recent gathering the programme was thus carried 
out : A large basket in the center of the room held the 
gifts plainly marked with the names of the guests. Over 
this basket a lady presided. A reader, who had pre- 
viously been given time sufficient to familiarize herself 
with the poems, read aloud the name of the person on 
the envelope and the effusion enclosed. The lady at the 
basket then handed the poem and the gift to its destined 
owner. This continued until each guest had been re- 
membered. 

It is stipulated that if possible the gifts be the handi- 
work of the donors or, if they are bought, the price must 
not exceed five or ten cents. 



22 ZNJZnJAINJ^ZNTS TOJi ALL SEASONS 

A lady whose name was that of a water-fowl, recently 
received the following from a boy : 

" How can I write a verse to thee, 
Beautiful biped by the sea? 
Erect thou hold'st thy slender neck 
Regardless of both storm and wreck. 
Thou lov'st to fish with all thy might. 
Hauling them in both left and right, 
And when thou get'st them to the top, 
Cranest thy neck to see them flop. 
Accept this gift of heads and tails, 
And in the first behold fish scales ; 
Now to this scaly rhyme an end — 
Ever am I thy fishing friend." 

The gift was a paper of dressing pins with heads of 
Roman pearls, which are made of fish-scale glue. 

A set of knitting needles for a gentle dame was ac- 
companied by the score : 

" Here are some needles to knit a shoe ; 
The shoe must be blue, as you are true.'* 

At the close of the evening a committee of awards 
reported on the merits of the poems, the best receiving a 
tiny volume of poems, or, since *' praise is sweet," a box 
of confectionery to be passed among the guests. 

99 

A Calendar Contest 
ATOTHING affords more genuine jamusement in the 
^^ way of an informal New Year's gathering than a 
calendar contest. 

The guests are provided with water-colors and drawing 
paper, calendar pads, paste, pens, ink, pencils, brushes 
and water-color paints, each being allowed to make his 
own selections of pencil or pen and ink design or water- 
colors. 

A half hour, or three-quarters at the outside, is 
allowed for this work, then each guest writes his or her 
initials on the back, and the calendars are collected and 
carried away to a committee of two or three artists to 
decide upon. 



NZW YZA7^*S ZNTZnTAINNENTS 23 

Prizes are awarded for the most original design, the 
most comical, the best and most carefully executed, and 
the poorest. 

The prizes should be simple and in keeping with the 
occasion. Pretty and unique calendars answer admirably. 

Among the simple designs to choose from are the 
sunbonnet babies, Brownies, Mother Goose and posters. 

An automobile design makes a striking calendar. 

A funny little one lately seen consists of two sun- 
bonnet babies on a teeter-board, with these lines inscribed 
thereon : 

** Through the ups and downs of the coming year, 
May all your days be bright and clear." 

This little water-color is done on white paper and the 
edges are rough, being torn instead of cut, and mounted 
on a heavy card of moss green 12x9 inches. 

Another exquisite calendar, done in water-colors, has 
a few golden buttercups scattered over the card, a cunning 
little scene and the following lines : 

" Ye bright little buttercups, pour out your treasure 
Of sunshine this happy day. 
And carry good wishes and love without measure, 
And every happiness, every pleasure. 
To brighten and cheer the way.*' 

A pleasant way of disposing of the various calendars 
accumulated at such a contest is to either send them to 
some hospital or give them to some King's Daughters or 
church society for a bazaar. 

^^ 

A New Year's Tea 
/^UR hostess was an unusual woman and her entertain- 
^ ments were famed for having that touch of novelty 
that is, to a social event, as the sauce to the pudding, so 
I was not surprised at my invitation, which read : 

My dear Miss March : As our ship of plenty is hailed 
for the New Year, it will give us great pleasure to have you 
take tea with us January ist. Will you please come aboard 
at 6:30 ? Yours very sincerely, Marion Everett. 

I went *' aboard" with pleasure, and the whole 



24 ZN7LnTAINNZNrS TOK ALL SEASONS 

evening, the pretty high tea and the moments of enjoy- 
ment afterwards made me wish to give the suggestion to 
others. 

Our hostess received us in the drawing-room, which was 
gracefully trimmed with evergreens and holly. She wore 
a soft red dress, a spray of holly caught by a knot of black 
velvet on her bodice, a bit of holly in her hair. 

After greetings were over we went into the dining- 
room, where a truly nautical tea awaited us. A long fish 
net, draped over a green cover, was on the long table, at 
which sixteen covers were laid. The centerpiece was a 
discovery in decoration. An enormous pumpkin stood 
there. It was hollowed out to admit of a round deep 
pan, the inside of which had been previously painted 
green. This pan was filled with water, and on this 
strange sea floated a ship that would have made any 
little boy's heart beat with glee. Its sails were full spread 
and its deck was piled high with its cargo — red apples, 
oranges, choice pears and bunches of hot-house grapes. 
On the sides of the pumpkin were caught tiny anchors, 
from which ropes of evergreen and holly, small and deli- 
cate, marked the way to the sixteen places. Little canoes 
filled with candy were fastened to these ropes, and across 
the bow of each tiny craft rested a paddle, on which was 
written the guest's name. 

These souvenirs provoked a little exclamation of 
pleasure from us all. 

*^ So your ship came in laden with fruit?" the guest 
of honor said, smiling to our pretty hostess. ** You see 
she is anchored to all of my friends," she retorted gayly. 
** Long may she stay in home ports," he answered heart- 
ily, and we all murmured assent. 

Shells were used as bon-bon dishes, and a soft red 
light fell over the table from the red-shaded candle-light, 
four brass candles doing duty on the table. Over the 
door of the dining-room two oars were crossed, on which 
were printed the cheery invitation, **Come aboard." 

Evergreen boughs over the pictures in the room were 
the only other decoration. 



A^ZW YEAK'S LNTZHTAIN/ILNIS 25 

Our menu was : 

' Oysters on Half Shell 

Turkey Croquettes with Cranberry Sauce 

Potato Roses 

Tea — poured from a quaint pewter pot into old-fashioned 

gold and white cups 

Shrimp Salad Served in Shells — a crisp lettuce 

leaf covering its bottom 

Ices Served in Boat-shaped Cases 

Fancy Cakes Fruit 

Such a tea admits of many variations, o. course, sub- 
ject to a hostess's will, but the above was charming. 

Gathered in the drawing-room afterwards, we played 
a game, ^'rigging the ship," that was but the old donkey 
game revised. Each of us were to have five sails of 
uniform color, we were told. For instance, all of mine 
were to be red, all of my next neighbor's blue, another 
had yellow, another green, etc. Then after explanations 
we danced the old ''Harvest Home Virginia Reel." 
Our hostess, ** the captain," sat in an arm-chair at one 
end of the line. Across the wall, at the other end, was 
tacked a sheet with a picture of a ship at anchor with a 
mast and no sails. During the dance, as it became each 
couples' turn to advance ''up the middle," they knelt 
before the hostess, were blind-folded and each received 
one of their sails, and then danced merrily up to the ship 
and pinned the sail to the mast — if they could ! The 
music went on as each attempt was made ; the bandages 
were removed, the couple marched around and returned 
them to the hostess, and the next couple proceeded in 
like manner until all had been around five times attempt- 
ing to "rig the ship." The prize for the one whose sails 
were best placed was a silver rowboat^pin. 

We played other games, and then the open fire on 
the hearth coaxed us to pop com, and we told each 
others' fortunes until the passing of time prompted our 
good-nights. 

It is a pretty thought, the extension of hospitality 
at New Year's time; and when Hospitality dons 
her formal garments, she is at her best when hand 



26 ZNrZ'RTAINJ^ZNTS FOTi ALL SEASONS 

in hand with a festal day to give her a distinction 
not her own. 

So did one New Year's Day end pleasantly, and the 
nautical tea was voted a success. 

^^ 

A New Year's Novelty 

lUHEN sending out invitations for the New Year's 
' ' party, ask your friends to come and help you turn 
over some new leaves. They will all come, for everyone 
enjoys helping others to reform. Have the house deco- 
rated with as many varieties of leaves as possible ; while, 
should the natural supply be very Hmited, use green tissue 
paper, folded so as to cut a whole strip of leaves at one 
cutting. Several of these can be pasted together and 
used as festoons to stretch from the chandelier to the cor- 
ners of the room. The leaves should be large, and of a 
distinctive character, oak and maple being the best. Be- 
sides the leaves, have a number of cotton balls resem- 
bling snowballs, tied with thread or cord and hanging all 
about the room, from the chandelier, in the doorways and 
upon the plants. When making these place in the center 
of each a slip of paper upon which is written such direc- 
tions as these : Whistle Yankee Doodle. Draw a pic- 
ture of an automobile. Recite a verse of poetry. Play 
a tune on the piano. Draw a horse with your eyes shut; 
or any feats which your guest may, or may not be able 
to accomplish. When the time comes to use these balls, 
have for the drawings large sheets of brown paper to pin 
upon the wall, and a crayon pencil, which makes a much 
heavier mark than the ordinary ones. 

As your guests come in give to each a card upon 
which is written the name of one of our national holidays, 
or days which we celebrate in some way, such as New 
Year, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Valen- 
tine's Day, Inauguration Day, St. Patrick's Day, Arbor 
Day, Flag Day, April Fools' Day, Memorial Day, Inde- 
pendence Day, Labor Day, Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving 
and Christmas, The object is to guess the day which 



NEW YEAR'S LNTEKTAINJ^ENTS 27 

each person represents, yet the holder of the name must 
so guard his conversation as not to let his identity be too 
quickly discovered. When some of the days have been 
guessed they can be exchanged, which will prolong the 
game until you are ready to introduce something else, 
which will be started by giving to each guest a card eight 
by ten inches in size, folded in the middle and decorated 
on the outside with a few falling leaves and a motto, such 
as ** Turn over a new leaf,'* '' There is no new thing under 
the sun," or " That the mind of man, pleased with nov- 
elty, might be indulged." A small pencil should be at- 
tached to the card by a ribbon tied around the fold. In- 
side will be a list of questions, each one distinctly num- 
bered, and on the opposite page a row of corresponding 
numbers, against which are to be written the answers, 
the first syllable of each of which has the sound of new, 
though it may not be necessarily spelled n-e-w. 

The following are a few questions : i. Nourishing. 
2. A disease. 3. Impartial. 4. A New Jersey city. 
5. Pertaining to a number. 6. Consisting of air. 7. A 
post. 8. A nodding. 9. A famous discoverer. 10. A city 
of Germany. 11. Recently. 12. The old name of a coun- 
try in northern Africa. 13. Of neither side. 14. That 
which annoys. 15. An English city. 16. Many. 17. The 
second king of Rome. 18. A center. 19. To read 
numbers. 20. A Virginian city. 21. An animal. 22. An 
inflammation. 23. A covering for the head. 

The answers to these are: i. Nutritious. 2. Neu- 
ralgia. 3. Neutral. 4. Newark. 5. Numeral. 6. Pneu- 
matic. 7. Newel. 8. Nutation. 9. Newton. 10. Nu- 
remberg. II. Newly. 12. Numidia. 13. Neuter. 14. 
Nuisance. 15. Newcastle. 16. Numerous. 17. Numa 
Pompilius. 18. Nucleus. 19. Numerate. 20. Newport 
News. 21. Gnu. 22. Pneumonia. 23. Nubia. 

To the one who has the greatest number of correct 
answers, give a box of numerical chocolates; that is, one 
in which each piece represents a number. 

After this the guests will be ready for the leaves, 
which are cut out of tissue paper and pasted on separate 



28 ZNTZ'RTAINJ^LNIS TOK ALL SEASONS 

squares of cardboard. Of course, if you can paint the 
leaves in their natural colorings on water-color paper, so 
much the better ; but if not, the paper ones will do quite 
as well. The shapes must be very distinct, and each card 
numbered. The leaves that have the most characteristic 
shapes are the oak, maple, elm, rose, fern, pine, chestnut, 
horse-chestnut, violet, apple, cabbage, holly, nasturtium, 
calla-lily, ivy, grape, willow and chrysanthemum. An- 
other set of score cards will be needed for this game, and 
these might be cut in the shape of a leaf, with the motto 
**The leaves of memory^' on one side, and on the other 
the numbers, beside which are to be written the names 
of the leaves corresponding to those on the small cards. 
The prize for this contest is a passe-partouted photograph 
of flowers or trees, so much admired by everyone, and 
so easy to procure. 

Let the supper menu consist of lobster Newburgh, 
Newmarket sandwiches and Neuchatel sticks, snow pud- 
ding or ice-cream with New Year cakes and coffee. 
Newmarket sandwiches are made by mixing together 
finely-chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs crushed to a paste 
with a fork, and a few capers ; this mixture is spread 
upon the bread after spreading with butter and mayon- 
naise. For the Neuchatel sticks, clean and cut celery 
into three-inch pieces and fill the cavities with Neuchatel 
cheese. The pudding, if that is preferred to ice-cream, is 
a very simple one, the recipe for which can be found in 
any recipe book ; but instead of having it in a large mold, 
serve it in individual forms with a custard sauce. 

After supper it will be time to take down the snow- 
balls which have served as decorations. Give one to 
each guest, who will find, upon opening, the *' stunt" 
which he or she must perform. This will be found to be 
a jolly way to close an evening whose entertainment has 
required nimbleness of the mind rather than of the body. 



Ill 

Valentine Affairs 



A Pink Valentine Party 
A FRIEND of mine, noted for her original and artistic 
-^ tastes, wrote me the following description of a Valen- 
tine Party which her guests are to enjoy : 

'* There must, of course, be roses, hearts, cupids, 
arrows and lovers' knots galore. The walls of the dining- 
room are to be entirely festooned with pink — either crepe 
paper or cheese-cloth, I have not decided which — and in 
the spaces where it is caught up there will hang garlands 
of pink roses — only paper ones, but they will be very 
pretty. One corner of the hall will be curtained off for a 
tiny refreshment-room. The draperies and lights will 
be of pink, as will also the bon-bons, little cakes and 
lemonade. 

^'Two pretty girls in pink will preside, one to pour 
tea for guests as they arrive, while the other will have a 
tiny post-office arrangement on the end of the table, with 
a wicket to hand the valentines through. As guests 
arrive for a cup of tea, the postmistress will present them 
with their valentines. Each one will contain the half of a 
sentimental quotation. Each must find the lady whose 
incomplete quotation is required to finish out his own. 
This is the way the guests are to discover their partners 
for the evening. Some of those quotations will never be 
matched, for Henry and I intend purposely to mismate 
several of those given to engaged or soon to be engaged 
couples. 



30 ZNTZnTAINJiENTS FOR ALL SEASONS 

** I shall have the most beautiful little cupid you ever 
beheld for my page, and I shall keep him running about 
the room, so as to show off to advantage his pretty white 
wings, spread during part of the evening. The rest of 
the time his archery will keep him busy. He is to have 
a small gilded bow and a golden quiver full of pretty 
gilded arrows, each to be decorated with a true lover's 
knot of rose-colored ribbon. 

" I shall have a tree — exactly like a small Christmas 
tree — on a pedestal at the end of the library. It is to be 
hung full of pink and gold paper hearts, each with a pretty 
inexpensive favor fastened to its back. These will be 
done up in rose-colored tissue paper and tied with rose 
ribbons. There will be, of course, several collar buttons 
for prospective old maids and old bachelors, two rings 
for the soonest to be married, and some dimes for those 
who are going to inherit money. 

My little cupid will preside over the tree and hand 
his golden bow and an arrow to each guest as he ap- 
proaches to try his luck. Each will have three trials, and 
if he then has failed to bring down any of the tree's fruit, 
he will be given one from those that are left on the tree 
after all have tried. 

''Wide pink satin ribbons will come from the ceiling 
in the dining-room and be fastened to the corners of the 
table in true-lovers' knots. Besides these will be rings of 
beautiful pink roses, with a pretty cupid in the center of 
each. For the centerpiece, there will be a long narrow 
table-mirror, edged with roses, violets and myrtle — it may 
be a daring combination, but I am sure it will be lovely. 
In the center of the mirror will be a silver boat heaped 
with roses, and in the midst of them will stand a beauti- 
ful little bisque cupid. This is to typify that the course 
of true love is sometimes smooth. 

"All of the table equipage will be pink and white and 
silver ; the salad will be in pink hearts, the ices pink 
cupids, the favors pink candy slippers filled with heart- 
shaped bon-bons, and beside each plate will be one or 
two long-stemmed roses, tied with wide pink satin ribbon. '* 



VALENTINE AITAIKS 31 

A Heart Party 

1X7 HEN the guests were invited to the heart party they 
^^ were also asked to write a valentine, and given the 
name of some character to whom the verses were to be 
dedicated. It was requested that these should be sent in 
on February thirteenth, that the readers might have an 
opportunity of becoming familiar with the handwritings. 

The house was quite elaborately decorated, hearts, of 
course, forming the principal feature. In the parlor a row 
of huge red and gold paper hearts was suspended across 
the middle of the room ; others were hanging in the 
arches of the doorways, while smaller ones swung from 
windows and chandeliers. 

As the guests arrived each one was handed a small 
heart-shaped card, tied with a bit of ribbon, and marked 
in fancy gilt letters with the name of one of the characters 
to whom valentines had been written, such as Christopher 
Columbus, Uncle Sam, General Humidity, The Statue of 
Liberty, Mother Goose, The Venus de Milo, Jack Frost, 
The Pilgrim Fathers, The Summer Girl, Mother Nature, 
The Queen of Hearts, and Father Time. Local charac- 
ters might be introduced, which would greatly add to the 
merriment. Two friends had been selected to read, 
alternately, the valentines addressed to the ladies and to 
the men ; and after each reading the valentine was given 
to the one who held the card with the corresponding 
name upon it. Some of the valentines were very cleverly 
gotten up. One was written on a large pink card-board 
heart, with long loops and ends of pink ribbon. Another 
was composed of six or eight paper hearts fastened to- 
gether with ribbons, like a calendar, and having a verse 
and suitable illustration on each heart. Some were 
written on large sheets of paper profusely decorated with 
cupids, arrows and hearts. One gilt paper heart formed 
a cover for several sheets of plain paper, upon which the 
verses were written. 

The supper-table was decorated with paper hearts of 
all sizes, and even the sandwiches and cakes appeared in 



32 ZNJEnTAINJiENTS TOU ALL SEASONS 

the shape of Cupid's targets. Nuts and confections were 
in httle heart-shaped boxes made of card-board and 
covered with crepe tissue paper. 

After supper the guests were provided with paper and 
pencils, and each one in turn was asked to draw upon a 
blackboard a picture representing the title of a book which 
was whispered to him by the hostess. The guests were 
expected to write the title of the book they thought the 
picture illustrated, and he who guessed correctly the 
greatest number received a silver heart-pin. Other prizes 
were a heart-shaped basket, and a pin-cushion, also heart- 
shaped. Below is a list of book titles which can be easily 
illustrated ; but if one does not care for these subjects, 
make a list of various objects, such as a bicycle, a trolley- 
car, a stove, a piano, an elephant, etc., and have these 
drawn with eyes blindfolded. This will cause great mer- 
riment, for whether made by a professional or one 
unskilled in the art, all pictures will show much of the 
same touch when drawn with closed eyes. 

'* Under Two Flags," ''Three Men in a Boat,^' 
*' Looking Backward," ''Rose in Bloom," "The Lady 
or the Tiger?" "The Hand and Ring," "Boots and 
Saddles," " The Daisy Chain, " "Three Feathers," "The 
First VioHn." 

A Home-Made Valentine Party 
*' T LOVE you " is the burden of the missives sent about 
-*■ on the fourteenth of February. The message is 
one sweet enough to disarm criticism, however it may be 
sent. And yet there is certainly an added pleasure in 
receiving a valentine that is a labor of love. The follow- 
ing suggestions may be easily carried out by deft fingers, 
and by fingers not so deft if care is used in selecting appro- 
priate cards, etc., on which to inscribe the verses. 

FOR A MAN 

With a picture frame decorated with hearts, or with a 
cupid with a drawn bow in one lower corner and an 
arrow-pierced heart in the opposite upper corner : 



VALZNTINL atfaius 33 

" I would that I might send you 

Myself to put within, 
But since I am a maiden 

'Twould be a deadly sin, 
And so I can but send you 

One little, tender line : 
For spite of Madame Grundy 

I'm your loving Valentine." 

FOR A GIRL FOND OF CHILDREN 

With a picture of a blindfolded cupid : 

" Dear maid, all children win your heart ; 
You cannot but be kind 
And ope it wide to this small elf, 
The little god that's blind.'' 

FOR AN OLD LOVE 

" I'd send you all my heart, dear, 
But I've sent that before ; 
I'd tell you that I love you— 
I've said it o'er and o'er. 

*' I've nothing new to send you, 
And nothing new to say ; 
St. Valentine won't help me 
On this his festal day. 

" But since old things are best, dear, 
And since there's nothing new. 
Once more I'll send my heart, dear. 
And vow I love but you." 

FOR SOMEONE IN THE PHILIPPINES 

With a picture of a cupid studying a globe : 

*^ Poor Dan Cupid, sorry sinner, 
Sad and woful is his plight; 
Once he knew nor chart nor compass. 
Now he studies day and night. 

" 'Tis the Philippines he's seeking, 
He must sail across the sea ; 
Vou have gone to far Manila, 
And where you are he must be." 

FROM A SUNNY CLIME 

With a spray of flowers on one side and something typical 
of winter on the other, and the verses written between : 



34 LNTL'RTAINJ^LN7S FOK ALL SEASONS 

*^ Sunshine and riotous roses 
And skies eternally blue — 
The spendthrift sun, when his splendor 
Is falling not on you ! 

" Sunshine and riotous roses 
And skies eternally blue — 
I'm longing for bleak New England 
And snow-filled air— with you!" 

FOR A GIRL NAMED HELEN 

A tiny pen and ink sketch of the recipient in one comer, 

of a female Grecian head in another, if one is clever with 

one's pen, would be effective with the following : 

**A Helen of another age 

Laid Ilium's towers all low; 
Men died by thousands for her sake, 
That Helen long ago. 

"Not so the one I'm singing now — 
Peace follows in her way ; 
The world is happier that she lives, 
My Helen of to-day." 

A photograph is always an acceptable valentine to 
send to one's best beloved : 

"I've sent you all the things before 
That may be had for pelf ; 
I send you now what's long been yours, 
Dear love, accept — myself." 

Any of the numerous collections of '*Love Lyrics*' 
make very appropriate valentine offerings, especially if 
accompanied by a personal note : 

" Love has been the poet's theme, 
Since the world was new; 
'Tis a clumsy, halting bard 
Sings the song to you. 

" Rather take this little book, 
Read each song apart ; 
Sweeter far the song to you 
Singing in my heart." 

Since the sending of valentines is so gracious a custom, 
such a bit of pure romance in our matter-of-fact twentieth 
century, why is it not well to "keep a few in the family" ? 



VALENTINE AETAIKS 35 

The following verses were written originally for a 
younger brother, but might with equal propriety be sent 
to a sister, or, for the matter of that, to a son or daughter. 
The lines might be accompanied by a book, a picture, or 
anything else acceptable as a gift of love : 

" I send you all my heart, dear, 

By good St. Valentine, 
And in the coming years, dear, 

When other loves than mine 
Shall come to claim your heart, dear, 

As sometime it must be, 
Oh, think of auld lang syne, dear. 

And save a bit for me.** 

^^ 
A Wish-Bone Tea 

FOR SAINT valentine's DAY 

'THIS was a most informal affair given by a young girl 
-'- for a few intimate friends, her own bedroom being 
used to receive them in. Large red and gilt hearts were 
used as decorations, hanging from pictures and curtains, 
while red-shaped lamps and candles gave the room a 
cheery glow. In one corner stood a small table, from 
which were served chocolate and sweet crackers, nuts 
and bon-bons. 

But the crowning features of the feast were the favors, 
which were passed around in a basket, over the edges of 
which were hanging gilded wish-bones tied to yellow rib- 
bons. Each girl selected a wish-bone and drew from the 
depths of the basket a yellow garter, the significance of 
which is doubtlesss well known to all : that if it be faith- 
fully worn, over the left knee, for a year, the wearer will 
surely meet her fate during that time. At the other end 
of the ribbon which tied the wish-bone to the garter was 
a small paper heart, on which was written a motto which 
was to be used by the holder as a suggestion for her wish 
when pulling her wish-bone. Some of the quotations 
were: 

" The course of true love never did run smooth." 

" Love will find the way." 

*' Love me little, love me long." 



36 ZNTE-RTAINJ^ZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

As one or two of the guests had already met their 
fate, and the garter therefore being unnecessary, a small 
book of recipes had been prepared for each of them. The 
covers were of card-board, heart-shaped, and covered 
with gilt paper. Several pages, on which simple recipes 
were written, were bound together with these, and tied 
wdth blue ribbon. On the fly-leaf was this verse : 

**\Ve may live without poetry, music and art. 
We may live without conscience, live without heart, 
We may live without friends, we may live without books, 
But civilized man cannot live without cooks. 
He may live without books — what is knowledge but 

grieving ? 
He may live without hope — what is hope but deceiving ? 
He may live without love — what is passion but pining ? 
But where is the man that can live without dining?" 

^^ 

On St. Valentine's Night 

CT. VALENTINE will take the hand of any hostess 
^ gladly, and whisper her a suggestion for entertain- 
ment, and any function at which the little god of love 
makes a bow will be pleasing and a success, surely. It 
was for such an entertainment that invitations were sent 
me, and I wondered what sort of an evening '*A Heart 
Affair '^ would be. This was what it was : Our hostess 
met us at the drawing-room door daintily dressed in soft, 
clinging white, with blue chiffon trimming, a blue belt, 
and some forget-me-nots in her hair. The first thing that 
caught my attention was a great white heart of heavy 
paper, stretched to a frame of like shape (this can be 
easily made by a carpenter to stand like an easel), and 
on the heart was painted the little cupid of love himself, 
holding out at arm's length a red, red heart. 

When all were assembled, our hostess told us we were 
to hunt for nearts. There was a flutter of merriment at 
this, and all of us — ten girls and ten men — started on the 
old hunt-in-the-corner game, which has so many vari- 
ations, but is always delightful. They were the little 
wintergreen candy hearts that we found, with sentiments 
pf devotion inscribed thereon ; and we found them in odd 



VALENTINE AFFAIUS 37 

corners behind bric-a-brac, in vases, or behind this or that 
picture, amid much fun, until finally a bell ringing called 
us to a halt. Then it was that we counted our hearts, 
and took them to our hostess, who exchanged them for 
little arrows. As these were given to us, each had a tiny- 
pasting number stuck on it for future identification. For 
instance, I was told my number was 9 on my hostesses 
list, and as it was my good fortune to have found eighteen 
hearts. No. 9 was pasted on all of my eighteen arrows. 
Then, when all had been numbered of the twenty guests, 
the bow was produced, and each of us in turn, standing 
at a given distance, shot our number of arrows at Cupid's 
red shield. A game of this sort dispels all formality, and 
there were merry peals of laughter at this failure or that 
success, until the big white heart was wellnigh full of 
arrows, and all had had their turn. 

Then two prizes were awarded, one to the girl having 
pierced the heart the oftenest, or nearest to it, and one to 
the most successful man. These prizes were in heart- 
shape, of course — the man's a heart stick-pin, the girl's a 
jewel-box in the shape of a heart. Then supper was 
announced, and a pretty little repast it was. The decora- 
tions were blue (the color of love). A heart-shaped 
centerpiece on the highly-polished table held a tall vase 
of forget-me-nots. (These of course could be substituted 
by white carnations and other flowers. ) This bouquet 
was tied about with a blue ribbon bow drooping low, and 
twenty narrow blue streamers escaped from under its 
folds to the twenty covers laid. Caught to each end of 
these was a merry valentine that proved a cheery appe- 
tizer to the guests. The mats under the blue and white 
plates were of fancy white paper, in heart-shape. The 
candelabra held white candles, the soft cream-yellow 
shades being edged with artificial forget-me-nots. The 
menu was : 

Sweet-bread Patties in heart-shaped cases. 

Scalloped Oysters. 

Bread and Butter Sandwiches in heart-shape. 

Ices in little Cupid form, and 

Heart-shaped Fancy Cakes. 



38 ZNTZnTAINMENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

So did the evening wear away, as we ate these dainties, 
with jolly conversation, until the flight of time made the 
good-bye hour approach, and with our thanks to our 
hostess and to the little god of love for a pleasant 
evening, we went to our homes under a starlit sky. 

^^ 
A Village Post Office 
TJOR a fair whose date falls on the fourteenth of February, 
-'• a sale of valentines is an attractive feature. A corner 
of a hall, or chapel, or any odd, left-over space, may be 
utilized, the place being fitted up to represent as nearly as 
possible a country post-office. 

The attendant should be dressed as the proverbial 
prying spinster, in old-fashioned dress, spectacles and 
corkscrew curls. The valentines may be comical, serious 
or pathetic, and should be written, some in prose and 
some in poetry, in the form of love-letters and prophesies. 

A number of people ready with their pens should be 
invited to contribute a dozen or more of these effusions, 
so that when the sale opens the mail may be well sup- 
plied. 

The postmistress should be someone well acquainted 
in the place, and capable of occasionally placing a par- 
ticularly telling effusion in the hands of the right person. 
For instance, a bright-eyed, wide-awake girl might be 
amused to receive a verse reading as follows : 

Thy pensive beauty lures me to thy side ; 
rU ask no hoyden to become my bride. 
Thy native modesty, and grace, combine 
To win my heart, and make me wholly thine. 

Another valentine may take the form of a prophecy, 
and may read as follows : 

Thou shalt be a rich man's bride ; 
In a gilded coach thou'lt ride ; 
Servants have, at beck and call, 
Ere another snow shall fall. 

Poetry need not be used to the exclusion of prose ; 
only if there be two or three gifted with the rhyming fac- 
ulty, the poetry makes a pleasing variety. 



VALENTINE A F FA IKS 39 

There should be enough ready wit in the society hav- 
ing the fair in charge to supply a mail sufficiently large to 
meet a heavy demand ; but in case it fails to do so, let- 
ters may be improvised at short notice, if the right post- 
mistress is in charge. Five or ten cents is paid for postage 
by the one taking the letter from the office. 

To make the affair realistic, there should be a stated 
time for the distribution of mail, and a placard above the 
the booth, which reads thus : ** Post-office — Mails arrive 
every fifteen minutes,'' will be likely to attract a line of 
waiting customers. 

A Cupid Party 

" See, your guests approach ; 
Address yourself to entertain them sprightly." 

— Winter's Tale. 

A T the season w^hen cupid's darts and white missives 
^ are flying all about us, we catch the spirit of good St. 
Valentine, and would further his designs in providing a 
way for the expression of sweet and kindly courtesy. 
To this end a very charming valentine evening for young 
people or children may be arranged as follows : 

Issue invitations to the gentlemen on stiff white paper, 
or bristol-board of light-weight. Cut this into folding 
hearts about four inches wide, with the hinge at the top 
of the heart. Through both sections cut slits near the 
lower part of the heart and fasten it together by thrusting 
a gilded paste-board arrow through the slits. Write the 
name of the person invited across the heart, unless it is 
to be sent by post in a separate envelope. The invita- 
tion written within, on one leaf of the heart, is followed 
by a little footnote, as though it were an afterthought: 

*^ Please bring the key to your heart, attached to a ribbon 
of your favorite color." 

Each lady invited is asked to prepare a heart six 
inches wide. These larger hearts are single, and made 
of card-board, decorated on one side with designs in 
water-colors — as loops of ribbon connecting diminutive 
hearts, showers of arrows, love-knots caught through the 



40 ENTZmAINMENTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

center by an arrow, tiny-winged cupids tilting on slender 
flower-stalks. These are easily devised, and furnish 
quite a field for the imagination of youthful artists. Any 
quotations referring to the customs of the day may be 
used. An appropriate device is a winged figure looking 
through a field-glass, and beneath, in gold letters, the 
legend : 

'^ Danger ahead when Cupid's at the wheel !" 

Through the top of the heart is fastened a narrow 
ribbon of the lady's favorite color ; at the back, in small 
type, the initials of her name. 

On reaching the house each lady guest gives to the 
hostess the heart she has prepared. When all the guests 
have arrived these larger hearts are attached to a stout 
cord of twisted colors stretched across the farther wall of 
parlors. The company seated, a tiny bow and arrow is 
produced, and each gentleman in turn shoots at one of 
the suspended hearts. The one struck by the arrow is 
taken down, the initials read, and the marksman presents 
the key of his heart to the lady whose heart he has cap- 
tured, and she fastens the key and its ribbon to her dress, 
while the gentleman wears her heart on the lapel of his 
coat. When all have thus received hearts or keys the 
company promenades in pairs, to the accompaniment of 
music, until the hostess places in the hand of each a tiny 
red heart attached to a red cord. The invitation is given 
to follow to where each heart leads. Amid tangles and 
twists of twine, merry hearts and merrier laughter, all 
finally reach the goal where refreshments are served. 

These consist of heart-shaped rolls, with oysters 
scalloped in heart-shaped shells. The plates are white, 
the napkins large hearts of red tissue paper. Ices and 
cakes are in the form of hearts. 

Each guest receives a heart-shaped bon-bon box sim- 
ply made of white drawing paper and filled with heart- 
shaped confections. 

After a toast to St. Valentine and *'the queen of our 
hearts— ^wr hostess,'^ the hearts and keys thereof hie 
them home. 



IV 

For Washington's Birthday 



A Washington Evening 
rvECORATE rooms with flags, banners, bunting and 
^ portraits of Washington. Drape the windows and 
mantels with the national colors. In a prominent place 
have the Washington coat-of-arms, which is a white shield 
crossed horizontally by two red bars, and above these, 
three red stars. This is surmounted by a coronet, out 
of which rises the head and wings of an eagle. Under 
this put the motto of the Washington family, **Exitus 
Acta Probat. ' ' At one end of the hall or parlor have a 
platform and curtain ready for tableaus. Select two per- 
sons who can best personate General and Mrs. Washing- 
ton, asking them to dress in the evening costume of the 
times. Old pictures will give them the correct ideas. 
Ask as many others as is thought best to also dress in 
Colonial costume, giving them a choice between the sim- 
ple homespun gown and 'kerchief and the more elaborate 
evening dress, with which the hair should be rolled high 
and powdered. Arrange so that George and Martha 
may be seated on a sort of dais, with canopy of flags or 
bunting over them. 

As the guests arrive have them escorted by someone 
dressed in costume, and presented to the distinguished 
general and his lady, who rise to greet them. To twelve 
of those presented, who are known to be good readers, 
the General presents a card, with one of his wise sayings 
written on it (as given in the following), telling him or her 
that he will call for it presently. When all have assembled 
a signal is given and Washington arises, saying: "The 
flattering distinction paid to the anniversary of my birth- 



42 ZNTZJ(TA1NJ^ENTS TOU ALL SEASONS 

day is an honor for which I dare not attempt to express 
my gratitude. I will, therefore, give you no set speech, 
but will call upon some of my friends to repeat to you 
words from former addresses given by myself, which may 
possibly be of benefit to some one.'* 

As promptly as possible, those who have been given 
quotations will rise, reading slowly and distinctly so that 
all may hear. The cards should be numbered from one 
to twelve and read in order. The quotations are as 
follows : 

/ — *^ I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue 
enough to maintain, what I consider the most enviable of all 
titles, the character of an * Honest Man.' " 

2 — *' A good moral character is the first essential in a man. 
It is, therefore, highly important to endeavor not only to be 
learned but virtuous." 

J — *' Speak not evil of the absent; it is unjust." 

4 — " To persevere in one's duty and be silent is the best 
answer to calumny." 

5 — " It is impossible to account for the creation of the 
universe without the agency of a Supreme Being." 

6 — ** Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark 
of celestial fire called Conscience." 

7 — ** I believe that man was not designed by the All-wise 
Creator to live for himself alone." 

S—^' Associate with men of good quality, if you esteem 
your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad 
company." 

^ — *'Be courteous to all, but intimate with few ; and let 
these few be well-tried before you give them your confidence." 

10 — *' True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must 
undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is 
entitled to the appellation." 

II — *' Religion is as necessary to reason as reason is to 
religion. The one cannot exist without the other." 

/^— " The liberty enjoyed by the people of these States, 
of worshiping Almighty God agreeably to their consciences, 
is not only among the choicest of their blessings, but also of 
their rights." 

During the reading of these quotations, those in charge 
of tableaus should be making preparation, so that the 
curtain may be raised at the conclusion and while all is 
quiet. Have each tableau announced and show each 
one twice. 



TOJi WASHINGTON'S SIKTHDAY 43 

The following would be appropriate and easily ar- 
ranged : ''The Landing of the Pilgrims/* "John Alden 
and Priscilla,'* ''Evangeline," " The Boston Tea Party, " 
"George and the Cherry Tree,'* "Washington and His 
Mother,'* "Surrender of Cornwallis,'* "The Minuet" 
(the dancing of this figure led by Washington and his 
wife would be a pleasing feature to conclude with). 

As curtain goes down on the last tableau, have a chorus 
ready to start "A Star Spangled Banner," in which all 
should join. 

From the following distinctively American dishes, 

make up your menu for refreshments : 

Oysters. Ham Sandwiches. 

Baked Beans. Brownbread. Celery Salad. 

Pumpkin Pie. Doughnuts and Cider. 

Patriotic airs by a good band will add much to the 
success of the entertainment. 

A Cherry-Tree Party 

'THE party which I have in mind was one of the most 

-*- successful I ever attended upon such an occasion. 

The invitations were written on a leaf attached to the 

back of a large red cherry, and were very artistic. 

Upon entering the drawing-room a card was handed 

each guest, which bore the title of a well-known poem in 

which a tree is mentioned. In some cases a line or verse 

was necessary to give ample scope for delineation. Some 

of those chosen were : 

** Woodman, spare that tree." {Morris.) 

" The Planting of the Apple-Tree." {Bryant.) 

'* The Arab to the Palm." {Bayard Taylor.) 

" Under a spreading chestnut-tree 
The village smithy stands." {Longfellow.) 

** Down she came and found a boat 
Beneath a willow left afloat, 
And round about the prow she wrote 

The Lady of Shalott." ( Tennyson.) 

Large sheets of drawing-paper were distributed and the 
guests given twenty minutes in which to illustrate the 



44 zNrznrAiNJizNJS TOn all seasons 

titles. Then these drawings, suggestive of the poems, 
were collected and pinned on the wall. They were 
awarded to the first ones recognizing the poem depicted. 

At this point a small tree was placed in the middle of 
the room. Its trunk was made of brown clay, and it was 
labeled ''A Cherry-Tree. " 

The game consisted in seeing who could first succeed 
in hacking it down, each person going in turn, blind- 
folded, after being turned around three times. This was 
no easy task, and when it finally fell beneath the hatchet, 
the hostess, with a great assumption of sorrowful sur- 
prise, asked : 

''Who cut down my cherry-tree ?" 

'' It was I. I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my little 
hatchet," proudly replied the perpetrator of the deed. 

^'It's what I have expected," gravely announced the 
hostess, ''ever since the school books made so much of 
George's little act ; therefore, I had the cherries picked and 
made into conserves as a reward for thy truthfulness." 

As the recipient bowed low over his box of cherries, 
he vowed to always chop down cherry-trees and tell 
the truth. 

With the passing of this absurdly amusing little farce, 
the hostess announced refreshments. 

Again a miniature cherry-tree was called into play to 
serve as a centerpiece for the table. The leaves were of 
pistache candy and candied cherries hung profusely from 
the branches. 

Cherry-colored ribbons were used in decoration, and 
a deep Jacqueminot rose with foliage lay beside each cover. 

The menu-cards were in shape like a hatchet, and 
bore pictures of Washington at different periods of his 
life ; also of his wife, mother and home ; and a wealth of 
quotations in his praise. 

One of the most enjoyable features of the affair was 
when, during the nuts and coffee, each guest gave, in an 
anecdotal way, the impression made upon his mind when 
he first was told the story of the historic cherry-tree, and 
in what manner it had influenced him. 



TOn WASHINGION'S SIKTHDAY 45 

At the end of the coffee the hostess shook the tree in 
the middle of the table, showering leaves and fruit before 
her guests, as if by magic. 

Then came the expressions of appreciation and the 
final, * ' Auf Wiedersehen ! ' ' 



A Martha Washington Tea Party 

npO the woman who delights in giving unique enter- 
-■- tainments, no more pleasing way of observing the 
birthday of ''the Father of his Country" can offer itself 
than an old-time tea-party — a very different function from 
the fashionable teas of to-day — at which the guests are 
asked to wear the dress of a past generation. 

As a matter of course, in compliment to the day, the 
hostess will impersonate Mrs. Washington. To simplify 
matters, it will be well for her to signify in the invitation 
(which should be in old English script) the character she 
desires the guests to assume individually. 

r The company should be asked to assemble ' ' at early 
candle light," as according to the etiquette of the time 
they must retire before half-past ten. 

In an old Virginia cook book we find the following 
suggestions as to what should comprise the refreshments 
at a tea-party, also directions for serving : 

'' Have black tea, green tea and coffee. Immediately 
after the first cups are sent in let fresh tea be put into the 
pots, that the second cups may not be weaker than the 
first. With the cream and sugar send around a small 
pot of boiling water to weaken the tea of those who do 
not like it strong, or for the convenience of those ladies 
who drink only milk and water. When tea is handed 
around, it is not well to have hot cakes with it, or any- 
thing that is buttered, or any sort of greasy relishes. 
Such things are frequently injurious to the gloves and 
dresses of the ladies, and can well be dispensed with 
on such occasions. It is sufficient to send around a 
waiter with large cakes of the best sort, ready sliced, but 
the slices not taken apart. There should be an almond 



46 ZNTL'RrAINJ^ZNlS TOK ALL SEASONS 

sponge cake for those who are unwilHng to eat cakes 
made with butter. 

"Immediately on tea being over, let the servants go 
around to all the company with waiters having pitchers 
of cold water and glasses, to prevent the inconvenience 
of ladies sending out for glasses of water. 

* * In less than an hour after tea, lemonade should be 
brought in, accompanied by baskets of mixed cakes, 
which it is no longer customary to send in with the tea. 
Afterwards, let the blanc-mange, jellies and sweetmeats 
be handed around. Next (after an hour's interval), the 
terrapin, oysters, chicken salad and small French rolls or 
milk biscuit. At the close of the evening, it is usual to 
hand around a large plum cake and coffee.'' 

According to our modern notions, the menu recom- 
mended by the author of the cook book quoted seems 
heavier than the occasion demands. But it must be 
borne in mind that the people for whom those rules of 
etiquette were written esteemed quantity quite as highly 
as quality. Consequently, if one attemps to give a real 
old-time tea-party, the refreshments must include a 
variety of rich dishes. 

If the hostess is the fortunate possesser of a goodly 
supply of homespun table linen and rare old china, her 
desire to display them will be entirely pardonable. In 
such an instance, ''though not so much in favor at 
present," a regular supper-table may be set. 

The authority before quoted offers the following 
suggestions for decorating the table : 

"A table may be superbly decorated at a trifling 
expense in the following way : Let a carpenter make a 
foundation of wood, proportioned to the size and shape 
of the table and the space you wish to fill. This wood, 
arched at the ends, should be supported on little feet, 
like those of the pedestal of a clock. Cover this about 
three inches deep with clay or potter's earth, covered 
again with gravel, laid out in walks. Plant in this boughs 
of green, bushes, and all the flowers that can be filled in. 
Nothing is prettier in the center of a table than this little 



TOn WASHINGTON'S SIKTHDAY 47 

parterre. With so few dishes as are permissible for tea, 
a large table would look mean and empty ; but with this 
ornament or dormant it looks richly filled. Variety may 
be given by adding rocks, vases and columns to the 
parterre ; vases of flowers at the comers of the table may 
also be added. 

''The various dishes should be arranged upon the 
table with taste, making the trimmings of leaves harmon- 
ize or contrast. 

*' The dishes proper for a handsome tea-table are : 
Tea and coffee; light biscuit, with honey; cold ham, 
glazed thickly all over with a mixture of bread-crumbs, 
cream and yelk of egg ; two smoked tongues, one placed 
in the center of the platter, the other cut into slices and 
laid around it ; hot game pie ; chicken or lobster salad ; 
oyster patties, sweetmeats, mixed cakes, blanc-mange 
and plum cake.'* J 



For St. Patrick's Day 



A Shamrock Luncheon— An Idea for St. Patrick's Day 

DEOPLE who often entertain are always glad to receive 
-'■ an idea which may enable them to offer a spice of va- 
riety to their guests. The luncheon described was the 
result of much thought, was entirely original, and was a 
great success. 

The date most convenient for us happened to fall near 
St. Patrick's Day ; this decided us to invite our guests 
upon that day, and to make the occasion as characteristic 
as possible. 

The invitations were written upon pale-green note- 
paper, with a shamrock leaf painted in water-color in one 
comer. The exquisitely blended shades of this leaf make 
it an easy and effective decoration. In truth, we encoun- 
tered some difficulty in finding a leaf to copy ; but a vol- 
ume of Moore's poems, incased by a considerate binder 
in a shamrock-sprinkled cover, solved the problem. 

The event was called a ' ' Shamrock Luncheon, ' ' the 
hours were from two until six, and the word ' ' Whist ' ' 
explained our intentions. 

The score-cards were cut from green card-board, in 
the shape of a large shamrock ; and across the back of 
each was written a line of a humorous St. Patrick's Day 
poem, which we had discovered in a newspaper. The 
verses will be found complete at the end of this article. 
It is adapted to twenty-four guests, but it is easy to insert 
more lines if more guests are invited. 

Each lady selected her partner for luncheon by finding 
the holder of the line which rhymed with her own. The 
score-cards were tied with streamers of narrow white or 



TO'R ST. PAJKICK'S DAY 49 

green ribbon, which served both to attach the cards to the 
gown and to indicate partners in '' changing tables " — the 
green always playing with a white ribbon. (Care must 
be taken to tie rhyming cards, one with green and one 
with white.) 

When partners had been found, the entire poem, 
sufficiently humorous to break the ice of formality for 
itself, was read. As each line was read, the owner of the 
card bearing that line took her seat as indicated, until all 
the guests were easily and laughingly seated. 

The six small tables were set with green and white 
china, and had for centerpiece a pot of blossoming sham- 
rock. Any florist will sell or rent these. 

The menu was as follows : 

Fruit Salad. 
Boiled Salmon. Caper Sauce. 

Potato au Gratin. 

Chicken Salad in Lettuce Nests. 

Olives. Wafers. , 

Pistachio Cream. 

Fancy Cakes Iced in Pale-green. 

Coffee. Bonbons. 

This repast, served by three pretty waitresses in white 
gown and green ribbons, was eminently satisfactory. 
Green and white bonbons are easy to obtain. Care 
must be taken, however, not to carry the color scheme 
too far into the menu, as green is not an appetizing color 
in all kinds of food. 

** 'Twas the eighth day of March, so some people say, 
St. Patrick at midnight, he first saw the day ! 
While others contend 'twas the ninth he was born ; 
An' 'twas all a mistake between midnight and morn. 
But mistakes will occur in a hurry and shock, 
And some blamed the baby, and some blamed the clock. 
So that with all the talk there was, no one could know 
If the child was too fast, or the clock was too slow ! 

" Now the first faction fight in owld Ireland, they say. 
Was all on account of St. Patrick's birthday. 
Some fought for the eighth, for the ninth more would die ; 
And who wouldn't see right, why, they blackened his eye. 



so ZNTZ'RTAINJ^ENTS FOn ALL SEASONS 

^' At last each faction so positive grew 

That each kept a birthday, and Patrick had two ! 

Until good Father Mulcahy, who showed them their sins, 

Said no one could have two birthdays, but twins ! 

Says he : ' Bhoys, don't be fightin' fur eight or fur nine ; 

Don't be always dividin', but sometimes combine. 

Unite eight and nine — seventeen is the mark. 

Let that be his birthday.' * Amen,' said the dark. 

" If he wasn't a twin, sure his history will show 

That he's worth at least any two saints that we know. 
Then they all 'tuk a dhrop,' which completed their bliss; 
And they keep up the practice from that day to this." 

^^ 

A Unique Score Card Idea 
CMALL-SIZED medicine bottles and pink and white 
^ sugar plums form an attractive way of keeping count 
of the number of games won or lost at card parties. Tie 
ribbon around the neck of each bottle, giving pink ones 
to the gentlemen and white to the ladies. Pass a little 
dish of pink and white sugar plums, and drop a pink one 
in each bottle for the game won and a white one for each 
game lost. Pretty bottles may be purchased for very lit- 
tle. The ribbon should be marked — Table i, 2, etc. 



VI 

Easter Parties and Luncheons 



An Eastertide Luncheon 



I HAVE a suggestion to make to the homekeeper who 
would welcome within her hospitable door those friends 
for whom she would gladly provide a seasonable pleas- 
ure. It is that of an Eastertide luncheon, and as this is 
supposedly arranged for her women or girl friends, whose 
keen observation makes them easily appreciative of pretty 
detail, I would suggest a few attractive features which 
would savor of the spring-time impression one longs to 
give. 

Send out your invitations at least one week in advance, 
and as formality is always formidable, let them be mere 
friendly notes, which may read as follows : 

14 Lathrop Square 
My Dear Miss Bacon: 

I am inviting a few friends to an Eastertide 
Luncheon, on Wednesday, April second, at 
half past one o'clock. It will give me great 
pleasure to have you come. 

Cordially yours, 

Marion Stone. 
March twenty-sixth. 
After your notes have been dispatched, the next 
thought must be given to the menu, which may be as 
simple or elaborate as you desire to make it. The 
following five forms are suggested, but may be altered as 
suits the convenience or taste of the hostess : 

Bouillon. Salted Crackers. 

Oyster Patties (in egg-shaped pastry forms). 

Or, 

Egg Nests on Toast. 
Parker House Rolls. 



S2 ZNTZRTAINJ^ZNTS FOR ALL SEASONS 

Or, 

Boneless Birds. Olives. 

Chicken Salad 

The latter served in paper cases, shaped like a flower- 
pot, with a sprig of parsley apparently growing from it. 
This gives a charming effect, and is easily gained. With 
this course, provide thin bread and butter sandwiches, 
shaped like a shovel or watering-pot. 

Or, 

Easter Trifle (a dainty delicious dish). 
Or, 

Ices in Flower-shaped Forms. 

Easter Cake or Angel Food. 

Fruit. Bon Bons. Coffee. 



The flower-shaped forms for the ices may be had from 
any catering establishment. The angel food to have a 
thick white icing, sprinkled with candied violets. I give 
here the recipes for the four unusual delicacies suggested: 

EGG NESTS ON TOAST 

Separate the whites and the yelks of the eggs, keep- 
ing the yelks whole. Beat the whites with one-quarter 
teaspoonful salt to a stifif froth. Heap this froth on small 
slices of toasted bread, which have been buttered and 
spread with chopped ham. Make a depression in the 
center of each mound ; drop the whole yelks in the hol- 
lows. Place the nests in a moderate oven for three min- 
utes, then serve on a warm dish. 

BONELESS BIRDS 

For this, use a very tender beefsteak. Cut in pieces, 
about three to four inches wide and five to six inches 
long. Sprinkle salt and pepper on one side ; put in a 
narrow piece of bacon, two inches long and one-half an 
inch wide ; a piece of carrot same size. Now, roll the 
meat like a thick sausage in the shape of a bird, as much 
as you can, and wind about with a string. Then rub 
with allspice, salt and pepper, and roll in flour. Brown 
well in butter, in which you have grated an onion, tlien 
add stock or boiling water until covered. Cook slowly 



ZASTZn PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS 53 

for two hours ; then take out the birds, strain gravy and 
thicken with one teaspoonful of flour, made smooth in a 
little water ; add a pinch of salt. Untie strings, being 
careful to retain the desired shape ; garnish with water- 
cress, and serve hot. 

EASTER TRIFLE 

This dish charmingly represents a nest with Easter 
eggs. This recipe serves six people. Vary proportions 
of ingredients in accordance with the number of guests 
to be supplied. 

Soak a half box of gelatine in a half cupful of cold 
water, a half hour. Boil two cupfuls of milk, and add to 
the gelatine, with two level tablespoonfuls of sugar and a 
teaspoonful of vanilla. Allow it to cool until thick, then 
add one cupful of cream, whipped very stiff. Wash six 
eggs ; make a hole inside of shell near the large end ; 
pour out the whites into a bowl ; break up the yelks with 
a skewer, and pour into another bowl ready to be used 
for cake. Wash inside of shells clean and drain them ; 
set them, with the hole up, in a box of salt or flour (or 
anything to hold them level); pour the blanc mange in 
slowly through a funnel, and set in a cold place to harden. 
Soak the other half box of gelatine, together with half a 
package of rose-coloring matter, in a half cupful of cold 
water five minutes ; add a cupful of sugar, and pour over 
gelatine and sugar a cupful of boiling water ; add the 
juice of tu^o lemons, with sufficient water to make a cup- 
ful of liquid. When cool (not cold) pour into a round 
glass dish, with a coffee cup inverted in center ; set away 
to harden. When ready to serve, remove the coffee cup ; 
place small strips of candied lemon peel on sides and top 
of the jelly nest, to represent straws, then break the egg 
shells carefully, and place the eggs in the nest, adding, 
here and there, a flake of whipped cream to simulate 
feathers. 

EASTER CAKE. 

Cream together one cupful of sugar and a half cupful 
of butter ; add yelks of four eggs and a half cup of milk. 



54 ZNTZnTAlNJ^ZNTS TO'R ALL SEASONS 

Then stir in gradually two and a half cupfuls of flour, 
sifted with two teaspoonfuls of baking powder. Add a 
teaspoonful of lemon juice, and stir in lightly the whites 
of four eggs, beaten very stiff. Bake in four layers, and 
fill with the following : The grated rind of one and the 
juice of two lemons ; one cupful of sugar, one egg, one- 
half cupful of water, one teaspoonful of butter, and a 
heaping tablespoonful of flour, cooked over hot water 
until it thickens. Cool before spreading. Ice the top 
with boiled frosting, and decorate with rings of candied 
cherries, alternating with seeded raisins and small pieces 
of citron. 

Great attention should be bestowed upon the table, 
for that is the background whereon all that shall appear 
will gain or lose in proportion to the scenic effect there 
presented. Have a spotless white damask cloth spread, 
and in the center of the table place a crystal vase, filled 
with tall Easter lilies. 

Or, another clever idea is to make a huge egg of 
crepe paper, and also a ladder of wire with twisted paper 
rounds. Tiny, fluffy chicks should be set on the rounds 
of the ladder, as if they had just '' peeped " from the egg 
and were coming down. Other chicks should have their 
small heads thrust out of the eggy ready to make their 
exit. This egg may hold favors, if desired. 

Too much care cannot be taken in the adornment of 
the table. Have the china, glass and silver sparklingly 
clean and radiant, and the napkins and tablecloth of 
snowy whiteness. Embroidered centerpieces are no 
longer in vogue, but if one is desired, use only white on 
this occasion. A beautiful effect may be gained, if a 
chandelier hangs above your table, by suspending from it 
broad ribbons of soft apple-green silk, one for every 
guest. These are gracefully carried down and invisibly 
pinned to the tablecloth in front of each plate, and upon 
the ribbon ends may rest Easter cards whereon the guests' 
names are inscribed. These may be hand-painted or 
merely those bought from your local stationer, but they 



ZASTZn PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS 55 

should picture lilies or some other suitable spring-time 
flower. This will obviate the awkwardness of verbally 
placing the guests, and is an easy and graceful arrange- 
ment. 

Or if the visitors be young girls, an appropriate favor 
for Easter is a potted maiden-hair fern, which may stand 
upon the broad ribbon end near her plate, and upon its 
leaves may be suspended a petal-shaped paper bearing 
her name. 

There are numberless pretty accompaniments for such 
an entertainment, yet the detail of each and all must be 
guided by the hostess who holds the reins of the family 
purse. 

Silver candelabra at the two ends, or four tall silver 
candlesticks at the corners, should adorn the table and 
give their added glow, through dainty white shades, to 
the gas or lamp light which falls from the chandelier. 
Artificial light is always for such functions an added 
charm, and daylight, of course, should be temporarily ex- 
cluded from the room. The hostess might appropriately 
be gowned in white, and wear a bunch of white violets 
or lilies of the valley. Let her strive to be merry and 
natural in conversation with her guests, making each feel 
abundantly welcome and giving to each the joy of a real- 
ization that her presence is an appreciated honor. 

If you are fortunate enough to have two or three musi- 
cal friends, ask them to give additional pleasure and the 
finishing touch of their delightful accomplishment, after 
the luncheon is over and guests have re-assembled in the 
parlor. They should, of course, be invited before the 
day of the luncheon, that they may prepare and bring 
some appropriate selections. Mendelssohn's Spring Song 
would be an ideal opening number, and some of the old- 
fashioned Easter carols might form a harmonious finale. 

" The world itself keeps Easter day. 
And Easter flowers are springing." 

Therefore rejoice, and in your pleasures may all my 
readers have indeed a Happy Easter. 



56 ZNTETiTAINMZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

A Lily Luncheon 
A T Easter time it seems as if Dame Hospitality had 
-^ many golden suggestions from which to draw. The 
spring is at her threshold, and to Nature we must ever 
turn for help and inspiration. The week after Easter is 
a favorite time for receptions, dinner parties, luncheons, 
etc. There is nothing really ''new under the sun," it 
might be said, and a luncheon party is always popular if 
some small novelty is introduced. Let us whisper, 
therefore, a few suggestions to the would-be hostess, 
before she plans for her entertainment. Does she plan 
for an Eastertide luncheon ? Then let it be a Lily luncheon, 
and a little ingenuity with the help of a few real Easter 
blooms will add the beauty that makes any entertainment 
successful. 

Of course, silver and glass ware must be sparkling 
and the white cloth spotless, or if one wishes, luncheon 
scarfs and mats or doilies are equally popular, and a 
highly polished table is a bit less formal than the regular 
dinner cloth. A centerpiece of gold cloth or of any 
yellow silken material is effective — the edges may be 
quickly overcast by heavy rope silk in long and short 
stitch. A bunch of Easter lily sprays in a bowl or gold 
and white vase crowns the whole. If one can arrange to 
have the china gold and white it is very pretty ; but every 
hostess must consult her own china store and plan 
accordingly. 

Napkins stiffly folded at each place can hold an 
artificial lily which carries in its heart a tiny candy box. 
These lilies can be bought at a caterer's or made at 
home very easily. Stiff wire — yet not too stiff not to bend 
in any desired shape — can form the skeleton. The stem 
is made of five wires woven together, green paper being 
twisted over them ; and at the top each separate wire is 
bent out to form a foundation for each white petal, made 
of white crepe paper, easily shaped and pasted in place. 
A little practice will show the amateur that this is not at 
all difficult. A pill box covered with gold paper can be 



EASTETi PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS S7 

pressed down in the heart of the lily, the top being covered 
with stamens made of gold paper shredded and twisted. 

Lilies of the same type, only larger with larger boxes 
having no covers, can form the bon-bon boxes. These 
must be even more conventional, as they have no stems 
resting directly on the table. The menu should be 
simple. The following would be appropriate : 

Bouillon served in cups. 

Fish baked in fish cases. 

Broiled Chicken. Canned Peas. 

Currant Jelly. Mashed Potatoes. 

Hard Boiled Egg Salad with Dressing. 

Spanish Cream. Cake. 

Candies. Coffee. 

The Spanish cream is simply made and should be 
poured while hot into egg-shaped molds. They turn out 
perfectly when cold ; and a pretty little nest to hold them, 
typical of the Easter custom, can be made out of lady- 
fingers crossed and interlaced. A lining to the nest of 
whipped cream is effective as well as delicious. 

When the luncheon is over and the guests have left 
the dining-room for the drawing-room, a new edition of 
the old cob-web game makes merry fun and is arranged 
as follows : A huge flower-pot is placed on the center of 
the table, in which are planted some artificial lilies to 
carry out the idea, and under the flower-pot are gathered 
the ends of many strings, each one of which must be 
appropriated by a guest. These strings cross and inter- 
cross about furniture and corners of course, and give 
opportunities for many tete-a-tetes. Here and there 
some little verses may be tried if wished to add fun in 

the quest. 

'* Do not faint, oh, maid, I beg, 
You shall find a golden " 

*' Gather roses while you may; 
Gather them— the Hvelong day.'* 

And many another nonsense couplet to suit the company 
and occasion. 

At the end of each string must be found a candy Easter 
egg^ which can hold the name of some guest and a tiny 



58 ZNrZ'RrAlNJ^ZNTS TOn ALL SEASONS 

trinket. It can be arranged by the colors of the strings 
to have a gentleman find a lady's name, and vice versa, 
and in this impromptu way partners may be chosen for 
either a game of cards or the introduction to a good-bye 
dance or so, as the hostess wishes. 

Let it be a spring-time affair. Yes, and if it does 
breathe the spirit of spring-time, a success, for new 
thoughts, new hopes, new plans are stirring in the brown 
soil of dead things put away, and new pleasures ought to 
be some of the fairest flowers to have their birth in the 
newness of things. 

Easter Suggestions 
COMEONE has aptly said that ''three-fifths of the joy of 
^ eating is in the appearance of the dainties of the 
table,'* and every hostess must bear this in mind and 
have the general effect artistic and in good taste, rather 
than make an expensive outlay for costly food. The 
week after Easter an Easter Luncheon will be an appro- 
priate entertainment, and a real treat to those guests who 
are fortunate enough to receive their invitations about 
Easter time, written on the back of some pretty Easter 
card, somewhat in this manner : 

" It will give me great pleasure to have you 
take luncheon with me on Tuesday after Easter. 
" Yours, very sincerely," etc., etc. 

Then must the hostess prepare her decorations that, 
on the day appointed, the dining-room will be ''fit for a 
queen.'' Just let me whisper a suggestion here. Every 
hostess knows the value of crepe tissue-paper, but many 
imagine that their particular fingers are not clever enough 
to give the paper the proper twists to make desired re- 
sults. "Faint heart" never yet won anything "fair." 
So try — you will be delighted at your success. 

Buy one or two pretty favors at a caterer's for a copy, 
and after a little practice you will not only be able to 
copy but originate. A glue-pot, some thin cardboard, 
ribbon, crepe paper, artificial flowers and deft fingers are 



EASTEH PAKTILS AND LUNCHEONS $9 

all the materials necessary, and much expense is saved 
by having such table accessories home-made. 

Let the Easter luncheon be arranged in this way: 
Have five small round tables, each seating four, placed in 
a circle in the dining-room ; a large potted Easter lily on 
a small stand is the central object in the room, around 
which these tables cluster. It is more picturesque to 
have the light of day excluded and the little tables each 
lighted by two small brass candlesticks holding lighted 
tapers. These can be shaded by shades of yellow and 
white crepe paper shredded in long petal effect. A tall 
Bohemian glass in the center of each table will be charm- 
ing, bearing each a bending cluster of daffodils. The 
tables may be set either on doilies, table covers of damask, 
or two scarfs crossing each other. The china should be 
gold and white. The menu might be as follows : 

Bouillon, in gold and white cups. 

Fish (baked in fish dishes with cream sauce). 

Broiled chicken. Currant jelly. 

French fried potatoes. 

Finger rolls. Easter egg salad (hard-boiled eggs with shell 

removed in nest of lettuce leaves, Mayonnaise dressing). 

Spanish cream (in gold and white cases). 

Macaroons and fancy white cakes. 

Bonbons. Coffee. 

Delightful little souvenirs to place at the covers laid 
are little china rabbits as candy boxes, or fluffy yellow 
chickens placed on pen-wipers. Name cards (Easter 
card with the guest's name written upon it) can be tied 
by baby-ribbon about these animals' diminutive necks. 
One daffodil or narcissus tucked in each folded napkin 
is another pretty touch. 

When the dining-room is left behind and the parlor, 
with its Easter blooms here and there, is sought for, a 
game of Searching for Easter Eggs will provoke merri- 
ment. Small candy eggs can be hidden in various places 
in the room. This childish game will have a grown-up 
interest when the hostess explains that all the charming 
Easter souvenirs on a side table in the parlor are "for 
sale ' ' to those bidding the highest number of candy eggs. 



60 ZNTZTLTAINT^ZNTS TOjR ALL SEASONS 

Viewed as currency, the candy eggs assume an added 
dignity ! The articles for sale may be of trifling cost, but 
many pretty little fancies make the feature desirable. 
The richest finder, of course, is the largest buyer ; but 
some little gifts can be bid for by the less fortunate ones. 
Candy boxes of crepe paper, little Japanese pictures, 
china animals, wee vases, etc., can be some of the arti- 
cles used. 



Novel Dinner Cards for ILaster 
A TTRACTIVE and inexpensive place-cards are made 
■^ of egg-shells which have been blown and decorated 
in a unique manner. 

Some have a fluffy chicken or rabbit done in water- 
colors on one side, and the name and date on the other. 
Others are colored in a variety of hues, and when dry 
have etched on them with a penknife all sorts of cunning 
and appropriate designs. 

One which was most cleverly done had an old hen 
and her chickens on it. 

Another showed a wreath of white flowers thrown 
over a cross on a purple background. 

Birds and flowers make effective designs when etched 
on the eggs. 

A novel feature of these name-cards is the quotation 
or original verse, which is written on linen or rice-paper 
and slipped inside the egg. Care must be used in order 
that the verses are appropriate to the recipient. 

Below are given a number of quotations. 

For a young bride who has just begun housekeeping 

and is ambitious to become a thoroughly accomplished 

housewife, these lines are especially suitable : 

*' One simple little song we sing 
To brides but newly wed — 
Just make the best of everything — 
Especially of bread." 

For a newly engaged girl who is blissfully happy use 
this quotation : 

*' All skies are fair to trusting hearts." 



EASTZn PAKTILS AND LUNCHEONS 6\ 

A newspaper man should have this familiar couplet : 

" Words are little things, and yet a drop of ink, 

Used to express a thought, makes thousands, perhaps mil- 
lions, think." 
- For an earnest devoted kindergartner nothing could 
be more suited than : 

" He who promotes the happiness of a little child is a 
fellow- worker of God." 

A man who is called an epicure and is particularly 
fond of good dinners should have Byron's lines : 

" All human history attests 

That happiness for man, the hungry sinner, 
Since Eve ate apples, much depends on Dinner." 

The card of a quiet, domestic girl, who is a veritable 
sunbeam in the home, should contain this sentiment : 

*' Her talents and gifts the world may not see. 
But at home what a comfort she'll be." 

A fun-loving, rollicking girl might have these lines : 

** A fine, frank face, an honest eye ; 
Straight dark brows, a colored tie- 
Fond of ladies, sincere and free. 
He's just the very man for thee." 

For a literary friend the well-known quotation : 

" The pen is mightier than the sword." 



VII 

Fourth of July Festivities 



A Liberty Luncheon 

IVTO entertainment throughout the year offers greater or 
^^ more effective possibihties than a Fourth of July cel- 
ebration. 

Drape the archways with large flags, using smaller 
ones in every available space. 

If cards are to be a feature of the afternoon, have 
the guests met at the door by a small lad or lassie in pic- 
turesque costume suitable to the occasion, who has two 
baskets of tiny flags, each of which is numbered, showing 
which table the guests are to be seated at. 

Each table can be numbered by a stand of flags, and 
tiny flags will answer as counters. Instead of punching 
the score cards, tiny flags already gummed are pasted on 
the cards. 

During the afternoon a number of patriotic pieces 
should be rendered by an orchestra, or even by one of 
the guests, including '*Red, White and Blue," **Star 
Spangled Banner," '* America" and ''Yankee Doodle." 

The color scheme should be carried out in the refresh- 
ments. Below is given a suitable menu : 

Cream of Celery Soup. 

Salted Wafers. 

Potato Balls in Cream Sauce. 

Fish Souffle. 

Crab Apple Pickles. 

Nut Sandwiches (tied with blue baby ribbon). 

Nasturtium Salad (garnished with red blossoms). 

Cherry Ice. Angels' Food. 

Blue Cream Patties. 



FOUKTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES 63 

At a patriotic luncheon, given two or three years ago 
where a dozen congenial friends were entertained, the 
table decorations were most effective. At either end of 
the table a silken flag was laid diagonally, while the cen- 
terpiece consisted of scarlet and white carnation pinks and 
blue bachelor's buttons. 

The menu cards consisted of tiny silken flags. The 
cakes were white and baked in small forms, and so iced 
that they resembled miniature drums. 

The ice cream was particularly novel and amusing, it 
being served in various quaint forms to represent Uncle 
Sam, a sailor, soldier, flags, etc. 

The guests wore patriotic costumes — the ladies being 
in white with red, white and blue sashes and stocks, 
while the gentlemen wore ties to correspond, and tiny 
flags in their buttonholes. 

Various appetizing dishes can be prepared for a patri- 
otic entertainment which will carry out the color scheme 
nicely. 

Lobster or tomato salad served on blue china with a 
white dressing, salted wafers tied with baby ribbon in red 
and blue, and ices and jellies tinted the desired shades, 
are all most effective. 

What could be more picturesque than a Liberty cotil- 
lion, with figures in national colors? Uncle Sam and 
Miss Columbia would surely be striking figures. The la- 
dies in white gowns, and red, white and blue aprons, with 
shoulder knots of tri-colored ribbon and small flags in 
their hair, and the men in spangled and striped tiles, 
making a unique figure. 

A Cracker Party 
PATRIOTISM and Entertainment can well make their 
"'■ bow together on the Fourth of July, and Patriotism 
has many an historic garment and'accessory of individu- 
ality with which to bedeck Hospitality, and make such an 
occasion attractive. To give *' pleasure to others '' is the 
joy of Hospitality, so let me tell of a Fourth of July high 
tea that I once attended, which may give a suggestion to 



64 ZNTZmAINJ^ZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

Other hostesses. We were bidden to a cracker party to 
be held on Independence Day at six o'clock in the eve- 
ning. Our hostess lived in a pretty, old-fashioned house 
near the suburb of the town, and she received us on the 
piazza where the western sun glimpsed through the wis- 
taria vines with pleasing shadow. She was dressed in a 
simple gown of pure white, an embroidered fichu cross- 
ing low over the front of her neck. A blue ribbon belt 
with a double bow of blue and red falling low over the 
skirt's graceful draperies, a knot of blue and red ribbon 
also at the throat of her bodice, and a red rose in her 
hair, made her suitable dress complete. After both ladies 
and gentlemen had laid aside their hats, in dressing-rooms 
in the house set apart for that purpose, we sought again 
the shaded veranda, where we were introduced to the 
cracker game, which gave the occasion its name, and was 
a fitting introduction to the evening of pleasure. 

Each of us were given a packet of fire-crackers, a 
piece of punk and matches, and instructions. We were 
to go out on the lawn — the men to stand one side of the 
gravel road, the ladies on the other (there were ten of 
each present) — and at a given signal we sent off our fire- 
crackers, one at a time. Each one must explode before 
the next was started ; if it did not go off, we had to pick 
it up and relight it. The man who finished first was to 
find the girl whose crackers were all gone — the second 
man the second girl — and so partners for tea were chosen 
while the fun waxed fast and furious, amid the fluttering 
of dainty skirts and the mischievous daring of the men, 
who threw their crackers as far across the pebbled path 
as they could without actually trespassing on the grass, 
which was against the rule. Old Glory, meanwhile, 
floated from the peak of the piazza in approval of the 
pretty scene. 

When all the partners were found, we repaired again 

to the piazza, where five little tables, each set for four, 

were spread with blue and white striped cloths ; a bunch 

, of red roses in the center of each table carried out the 

• ^" color scheme. 



FOUKTH OF JULY TESTIVITIES 65 

We were served with delicious chicken patties in red, 
white and blue cases, shrimp salad, finger rolls, choc- 
olate, ices in the shape of cannon and balls, and fancy 
white cakes with tiny flags stuck in the center of each. 
An enormous imitation fire-cracker standing at the side 
of each plate was found to be a candy box. 

After supper was over, the strains of the piano from 
within the house floated out, and we all sang the '' Star 
Spangled Banner," *' My Country, 'tis of Thee," and 
other patriotic airs, until the shadows lengthened and the 
stars came out and the night was born. Then we all sat 
on the steps and watched our host set off the fire-works. 
We were all gay and happy, and when the last rocket 
shot its fiery path across the sky and the good-byes were 
said, our thanks to our hostess for a pleasant evening 
were in no sense conventional, and the Cracker Party 

was voted a success. 

99 

For A Patriotic Lntertainment 
T N connection with tableaus, or some of the many patri- 
-*• otic plays written for children, the following drill may 
prove a helpful suggestion to teachers and others, who 
so often are called upon to get up something for the 
children. 

It is a novel and laughable affair when carefully pre- 
pared and a pleasant relief from the ''broom drills," *' flag 
drills," ''fan drills," etc. 

Six small boys — the smaller the better, if they can 
learn the drill — are dressed as "fire-crackers," and go 
through a short and simple drill and march to the spirited 
music of "ElCapitan," or some other "two-step" which 
has a catchy air and well marked time. The shorter and 
more simple the drill the better, as the boys can only see 
directly in front of them through the eye-holes cut in 
their " fire-crackers, " and have to depend largely on 
their sense of touch to tell whether they are marching in 
a straight line. For this reason forming figures by 
marching in twos or " single file" is best, and they should « 
frequently "make their bow" to the audience, as the ^ 



66 ZNTLTiJAINJiZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

effect of the big red ^^fire-crackers'* bending solemnly 
forward with their black arms spread out and their 
** fuses" bobbing, is extremely ludicrous. 

The boys should wear long black stockings drawn up 
over their trousers, and no shoes. Black stockings, with 
the feet sewed into a sort of mitten for the hands, should 
be pulled up over the arms and fastened tightly on the 
shoulders. Of course no coat should be worn. 

The ** fire-crackers " should reach a little above the 
head and down to half-way between the hip and knee. 
These ''fire-crackers" are made of men's hat boxes 
fastened together with patent fasteners. Eyes, nose, 
mouth and arm-holes are cut, and the "fire-cracker" is 
ready to drill in. The covering and fastening in the 
"fuse" should be left until the drill has been learned, as 
much practice is necessary for the boys to become accus- 
tomed to the boxes, and the outside covering is apt to be 
torn in putting on and taking off the "fire-crackers" so 
many times. 

When the drill has been thoroughly learned, the 
" fuses," made of clothesline frayed at the end and stiffened 
with wire, should be fastened in and the ' ' fire-crackers ' ' 
covered first with white paper, to cover the advertisements 
or names on the boxes, and then with red tissue paper. 

Three hat boxes make a good sized "fire-cracker" 
for a boy of nine or ten years. The armholes should 
come at the first joint, where the first two boxes are fas- 
tened together. About five patent fasteners are needed for 
each joint. The top box should have the bottom left on, and 
it should be of brown cardboard and not of white, as that 
makes the proper color for the top of the "fire-cracker" 
and saves painting or covering with brown paper. 

^^ 
A Red, White and Blue Luncheon 
nPHE entire color scheme of this novel luncheon must be 
^ evolved in the national tints ; as far as possible the 
doilies used should be designed in star-shaped patterns, 
with a border in wash silks of interwoven red carnations 
and blue corn-flowers. Suspended directly over the cen- 



TOWKTH or JULY FESTIVITIES 67 

ter of the table a huge Hberty bell should be hung, com- 
posed of red and white carnations and blue corn-flowers. 
Depending therefrom should be ropes of red, white and 
blue ribbon, terminating at the four comers of the table. 
The luncheon to be served should be as far as possible in 
the prevailing colors, the ices served in fire-cracker form 
and the starry banner hung in every available nook. 
Draperies and pictures indicative of the occasion should 
be placed in conspicuous points of vantage, not forget- 
ting a goodly supply of pyrotechnics to conclude the day. 
Such a luncheon will certainly commend itself to all, and 
most particularly to the younger element. 

Patriotic Stars of Liberty 

1X7HEN the *' Historical Club^' sent out invitations for 
^^ a patriotic spread, to be held al fresco upon the 
Fourth of July, each recipient hastened to accept, assured 
that it meant a most enjoyable time. 

An aromatic pine grove was chosen by the members 
of the club as a setting, and the trunks of the trees were 
wound with the tri-color of patriotism. From the 
branches of a prominent tree fluttered red, white and 
blue streamers, ending in forty-five stars. As a back- 
ground was stretched an American flag, the stars only 
being outlined on the field of blue. Folded slips of 
paper, the same in number as the guests, were pinned on 
the stripes of this flag. 

When the guests had arrived, the hostess explained 
that the constellation under the tree bore pictures of the 
national ^'stars'* in our country's history, and that they 
must be fitted into the outlined stars on the flag in the 
background by means of some historic mot found there, 
uttered by these personages upon some important 
occasion. 

For example : On the quotation, '^ I am ready for any 
service that I can give my country,'' George Washington's 
picture should be fastened; on '' Unconditional Surren- 
der," U. S. Grant's, and on *' Don't cheer, boys; those 
poor fellows are dying," J. W. Philip's. The guest 



68 ZNTZJITAINJ^ENTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

placing the greatest number of stars correctly was awarded 
a jeweled one, wrapped appropriately in red, white and 
blue. 

After this exciting feature came the selection of the 
folded slips on the stripes, those on the red being of a 
warlike nature, while those on the white partook of 
peace. A few on the red stripes were : 

Who was the first boy hero of the revolution ? Nathan 
Beaman, 1775. 

What naval commander was lashed to the rigging for 
safety during battle ? Admiral Farragut. 

Who opened and closed the Spanish-American war? 
Admiral Dewey and General Shafter. 

Who are the modern martyrs for Liberty ? Gen. Cronje 
and his gallant army. 

Where are the most ardent lovers of Freedom to-day? 
In the Transvaal and the United States. 

On the white among the rest were : 

Who made our first American flag ? Betsey Ross. 

Who made the most important invention in this country ? 
Eli Whitney. 

Who invented the sewing machine ? Elias Howe. 

Who constructed the first American locomotive ? Peter 
Cooper. 

As soon as a question slip had been selected, the 
owner at once assumed the character of the name which 
was its answer, and proceeded to mystify, or make clear, 
as to his identity. Betsey Ross, Nathan Beaman and 
Howe held a spirited conversation, and were the first 
guessed by the others. Mrs. Ross resented Nathan's 
pride in his heroism, and told him if he had been the 
means of Ethan Allen's victory, he, personally, was 
almost forgotten, while her achievement would live for- 
ever ; that Old Christ Church, in her native city, displayed 
her emblem on one of its pews always. At this juncture, 
Howe, who was the first to guess her identity, coolly 
asked her how long she was in making her emblem with- 
out the aid of his invention. This disclosed his identity ; 
and so the suggestive conversation flew back and forth 
until the assumed characters were all disclosed. 



TOWRTH OT JULY TZSTIVITIES 69 

Then all were seated on cushions under the historic 
tree, and within a circle of giant fire-crackers, attached in 
such a manner that one frequently exploded. A historic 
tale was started by the hostess with the first explosion, 
and as the next cracker went off a second took up the 
narrative, and a third and fourth in the same manner, each 
introducing a new historical character and maintaining a 
connection until the last fire-cracker had exploded. 

Then a string was quickly loosened on the trunk of 
the tree and a star-shaped box let down in front of each 
guest, containing sandwiches, pickles and sweetmeats. 
Ices and cakes in patriotic shapes were passed later. 

A pyrotechnic display at nightfall ended the festivities. 

A Fourth of July Porch Party 
A MERICAN women are quick to discern possibilities ; 
-^ hence, it was but natural that the inauguration of the 
Porch Party should have followed closely in the wake of 
the extended and roomy veranda, which is a prominent 
feature of the modern house. 

The delights of this form of entertaining, during the 
season when the heat of lighted rooms renders an evening 
affair of any sort well nigh intolerable, are more appreci- 
ated each summer, and the institution bids fair to be per- 
manent. 

It remained for Mrs. Blank, a clever young matron, to 
seize upon the opportunity of combining patriotism with 
pleasure and issue cards for a Fourth of July Porch Party. 

In compliment to the occasion, the lettering of the in- 
vitations was done in red and blue on a background of 
white. In the left-hand comer of each was tied a tiny 
bow of red, white and blue ribbon. 

Upon their arrival, the guests found the porch gayly 
and elaborately decorated with the Stars and Stripes, 
brilliantly illuminated by means of numerous small red, 
white and blue paper lanterns, and comfortably furnished 
with easy chairs. Suspended from the central arch of 
the porch was a liberty bell, composed of a framework of 



70 ZNTLnTAINJ^ENlS FOK ALL SEASONS 

wire overlaid with smilax and red, white and blue asters. 
The beauty of this floral piece vies description, and elic- 
ited much praise. 

At nine o'clock the guests took their seats at small 
tables placed here and there on the porch, and for two 
hours engaged in that most intellectual of games, dupli- 
cate whist. The score-cards were of white card-board, 
decorated with a border of red and blue, done in water 
colors. Two prizes were awarded : to the gentleman 
scoring the greatest number of games, a silver snuff-box 
of colonial design ; the most successful lady player re- 
ceived a high back-comb of tortoise shell. 

At eleven the cards were collected, and over each 
table was spread a handsome lunch cloth. The follow- 
ing dainty refreshments were then served : 

Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups. 

Olive Sandwiches. Cheese Straws. 

Orange Frapp6. Lady Fingers. 

Fruit Punch. 

After complimentary justice had been done to the 
menu, the guests were next treated to a short musical 
programme of patriotic airs rendered by a quartet of se- 
lected voices. "Paul Revere's Ride'' was then effect- 
ively recited by the guest of elocutionary attainments, 
after which, by request of the hostess, all enthusiastically 
joined in singing "The Star Spangled Banner." And 
when a few minutes later the guests made their parting 
bow to the hostess, all were sincere in the expression of 
their obligation to her for an evening of pleasure, and 
heartily wished Dame Columbia many happy returns of 
the day. 

A Patriotic Sunset Tea 
'THE art of making merry is such an old one that it is 
-'' difficult for a would-be hostess to conceive of a new 
way in which to give pleasure to others. The month 
of July is here with its hot sunshine and deep shade, and 
all nature beckons us to out-of-doors. The labor of pre- 
paring to give an entertainment indoors is double one 



rOURm OF JUL^ TESTIVITIES 71 

which is planned with Nature's vantage ground as the 
banquet hall and with her own beauties as decorations 
while the birds sing to the blue sky above, and the leaves 
of the trees stir in answer to the breeze. , . ,. , 

The month of July holds for us a national holiday- 
and holidays are ever an excuse, and often a permission, 
for the busy ones of earth to make merry. Let us, there- 
fore send out our invitations for a patriotic lawn party 
and that we may combine the ritual of Patriotism with 
the day's gifts of coolness and beauty, let us call it a Sun- 
set Tea the guests to be bidden at six o'clock. If one 
wishes a simple affair this will be sufficient; but to carry 
on the spirit of the day, a display of fireworks w.l give 
amusement to the guests and write a finis to the 

evening. 

In preparing for the entertainment, the invitations are 
the first step ; these should be in the form of simple notes. 
It is extremely poor taste to send a formal invitation for 
an informal occasion. The notes might read in some- 
what this way : 

yuly jst, 1904. 

My dear Miss Norris : 

It will give me great pleasure to have you take 
tea with us on the evening of the 4th at six o clock. 
We hope, if it is a pleasant day, to have tea at sun- 
set time on the lawn, and trust that the skies will 
set us the example of patriotism by showing us 
their evening beauty in red, white and blue. 

Yours sincerely, Marion Leslie. 

The lawn needs but litde preparation to make it at- 
tractive. Small tables for the serving of the tea should 
be placed here and there, preferably under the shade 
of some tree. These should be covered with v^hite 
cloths-a large bunch of flaming salvia placed in 
the center of each, either in blue bowls to give the 
necessary complement of color, or tied with a bow of 

blue ribbon. 

From the trees, red, white and blue Japanese lanterns 
should hang, to give their light when the sun dies behind 
the hills. 



72 ZNTZnTAlNJiLNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

And may I whisper a personal hint to the would-be 
hostess ? In summer-time there is nothing as charming 
in the way of dress as simple white. Blue ribbons at the 
belt, in the hair and as a corsage finish to the slightly low 
bodice. A few sprays of salvia worn in the hair carries 
out the color scheme. 

As the night will be warm, pretty favors to grace the 
tea-tables would be tissue paper fans. Some of these can 
be made of pure white paper, others of blue, others of 
red. These are not difficult to make of crepe paper. 

The supper can be simple. Sweet-bread patties, 
made in red, white and blue paper cases (these can easily 
be made at home) ; chicken salad, sandwiches, ices and 
cake. A punch-bowl on a small table can hold lemon- 
ade or iced tea for the evening if wished ; but at the sup- 
per it is perhaps best to serve the tea last, that it may 
more closely follow the high teas of our grandmothers* 
days. 

As the center of the group of tables a flag-pole — not 
necessarily a large one — should hold the emblem of the 
country's glory, that we all know and reverence so well. 
At exactly sunset time the flag should come down, all the 
guests standing, while the refrain of the national anthem, 
"The Star Spangled Banner," goes up to the sun-glow- 
ing sky. Of course, this is so universally known, that it 
can be sung by all, to lend ceremony to the occasion ; 
but if one does not mind the slight additional expense, 
one fiddler does not add materially to the bill, and the 
charm of the stringed instrument's accompaniment to the 
fluttering flag as it drops with the dying sun, is almost in- 
spiring. A few dances on the green also add a delight- 
ful finish to the evening when the few fireworks have slid 
their fiery path across the sky. 

Garden benches should be about in abundance, and a 
few rugs thrown down on the grass complete the accom- 
paniment to already furnished Nature. 

The old-time Virginia reel, "up the middle and down 
again," is more adapted to the grassy dancing hall ; and 
with the little merry bursts from the ranks of the stately 



TOWRJH OT JULY FESTIVITIES 73 

dance into the gayer waltz ordwo-step, makes a pretty 
scene, under the lantern- Ht trees and the star-lit sky, the 
charm of which is felt even by the dancers themselves. 

A hostess should never appear to be too anxious to 
entertain her guests each minute. Let people entertain 
themselves. Herein is the secret of success. 

When the dancers' steps are silent and the good-byes 
are being said, the fiddler's hand can touch his bow to 
the string and the strains of ^' My Country, 'tis of Thee," 
can finish the evening in the true spirit of the day. The 
lanterns can be dimmed and the hostess fold away her 
red, white and blue ribbons, secure in the thought, as she 
goes to sleep before the rising of the sun on the 5th, that 
her Sunset Tea of the 4th has been a delightful affair, en- 
joyed by all. 

99 

A Patriotic Luncheon 

'THIS should be given on a pretty lawn if possible, and 
^ the table, or tables, spread under an improvised awn- 
ing of red, white and blue. If there is a broad piazza, it 
might be well to arrange them there. Flags should be 
everywhere — there cannot be too much of '' Old Glory." 
Bunting is inexpensive and drapes beautifully. The 
flowers used should carry out the color-scheme, and tiny 
flags may be placed at each plate to be used as a bou- 
tonniere. The name-cards may have patriotic quotations 
written on one side. The following are suitable and will 
suggest others : 

" For aye must our motto stand fronting the sun, 
* E Pluribus Unum '—though many, we're one." 

" Day of Glory ! Welcome Day ! 
Freedom's banners greet thy ray." 

". To mark this day we gather round 
And to our nation's founders raise 
The voice of gratitude and praise." 

'' Thou art the shelter of the free. 
The home, the port of Liberty." 



74 ZNTZllTAINJ^ENTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

** Breathes there a man with soul so dead 
Who never to himself hath said 
This is my own, my native land?" 

An orchestra may be stationed in a near-by arbor to 
discourse patriotic music during the repast and would 
add much to the enjoyment. While waiting for the fire- 
works, an impromptu chorus may join in singing the 
"Star Spangled Banner,'* ''America," and others of the 
good old songs that everybody loves. 

Miss Columbia's Tea Party 
TT is to be hoped that all the good housewives who 
-*■ read this simple chronicle have an emergency closet to 
which they can turn when any special occasion arises. If 
so, when the morning of the Fourth dawns, if they have 
been so remiss as to plan no patriotic feature aforetime, 
they can draw upon the contents of the closet for the 
necessary materials to decorate the house and tables. 

-A roll or two of white-figured crepe paper, one of 
plain red, and one of the flag and shield paper, with a 
few yards of red, white and blue ribbon, will go a long 
way toward making the children happy, and will also 
furnish quite a patriotic display. It is not how much we 
spend in celebrating the glorious Fourth, but the spirit in 
which we spend it, that really counts for much, anyway. 

Why not have '' Miss Columbia " give a tea party in 
honor of the children of the family, and invite them all to 
attend ? The impromptu little affair can be planned for 
a surprise, if desired, as the speculation attached thereto, 
upon the receipt of the tiny invitations, will keep the 
little folks on the ^ui vive of anticipation. 

The invitations may be written by the mother, sister 
or auntie on plain white cards with tiny flags crossed and 
thrust through the corner. They should read as follows : 

Miss Columbia will be pleased to have her loyal 
subject, Miss Dorothy Brown, take tea with her at 
six o'clock on the Fourth. Miss Brown will confer a 
favor on her Highness if she will come prepared to 
recite a patriotic verse. 



TOVRTH OT JULY FESTIVITIES 75 

These cards may be laid at the children's plates on the 
morning of the Fourth, and they will be kept so busy 
hunting for appropriate quotations that the time between 
breakfast and tea will pass quickly, and they will not be 
so anxious to spend every second out-of-doors with fire- 
crackers. Many fingers will thus be spared from burn- 
ing, and other accidents averted. 

Promptly at six o'clock the children and their small 
friends who have been included in the invitation are ush- 
ered into the dining-room, singing as they march * ^ The 
Star Spangled Banner." At the dining-room door, 
which opens as if by magic when they reach it, they will 
pause in pleased surprise, for, standing erect at one end 
of the long table, they will see Miss Columbia in a long 
white robe with a flag draped about her head, and a large 
flag in her right hand resting on its staff. 

The children recognize Miss Columbia as the big 
sister, and she smiles in welcome as they wave their tiny 
flags at her. Miss Columbia bids her subjects to be 
seated, and they take possession of the chairs ranged 
about the sides of the room. The table in the center, 
which has a crepe paper flag tablecloth and a centerpiece 
of flags, is used as a serving table only. 

The window-shades are pulled down and the candles 
lighted, which gives a very pretty effect and shows off 
the red, white and blue decorations to good advantage. 
Red, white and blue bunting is draped all about the room, 
and a small table in one comer holds the '^Fourth of 
July Pie." 

Miss Columbia herself deigns to serve the **tea," 
which her two attendants pass. The following dainty re- 
freshments can be served : 

Lettuce Sandwiches. Chicken Salad. 

Cheese Straws. Salted Almonds. 

Patriotic Ice Cream. 

Angel Cake. Macaroons. 

Fruit Punch. 

The sandwiches are tied with red, white and blue 
ribbon, while the salad is served in red, white and blue 



76 ENTZ'RTAINNENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

cases made out of crepe paper. The ice cream is in 
bricks and also tinted appropriately. 

First of all, a medium sized platter is passed to each 
guest with a folded patriotic paper napkin on it, on 
which rests a horn wrapped in striped paper. When the 
horn is emptied of the bonbons concealed therein, it is 
found to be donajide, as is proved by the tootings. 

The sandwiches, salad and cheese straws are then 
passed, and the platter will hold them all much better 
than a dinner-plate. After the ice cream, cake and punch 
are served, each guest is called upon by Miss Columbia to 
give a quotation, a bit of verse, or make a speech. 
Humorous and patriotic sentiments are often combined, 
and the hour will be spent pleasantly in this manner. 

The last treat is the "Fourth of July Pie,'^ which 
stands by itself on the small comer table. Each child is 
given a red, white and blue ribbon, one end of which a 
miniature Miss Columbia holds in her hands. When the 
hostess gives the signal, they all pull their ribbons, and 
each finds a small papier mache animal with a red, white 
and blue ribbon tied around its neck. 

Imitation giant firecrackers for souvenirs may be made 
of plain manila wrapping paper folded compactly round 
and round with a heavy piece of cord in the center to 
represent a fuse. Plain red tissue paper is used for cov- 
ering the fire-cracker. If desired, another good way is to 
have bonbon boxes made like fire-crackers. Ordinary 
talcum powder boxes covered with the red paper, and 
with a cord thrust through a wound paper fuse, as de- 
scribed in the foregoing, may be filled with bonbons. 

Plain white crepe or mottled paper with a border of 
patriotic paper makes a beautiful table-cloth. Miss 
Columbia in miniature should also be dressed in such 
paper, and have a cap and flag to match. For the foun- 
dation of her pedestal, the pie, an ordinary deep baking 
dish can be used to hold the souvenirs, and this should 
have a full fluted ruffle of crepe paper over it and around 
the edges. The candle shades, too, are easily made by 
cutting out the shields and flags from the crepe paper. 



VIII 

For Hallowe'en 



The Hallowe'en Party 



IN decorating for this occasion, one should bear in mind 
■'■ that it is an autumn festival, and arrange to emphasize 
that idea as much as possible. There will probably be 
many belated summer blossoms in the garden, but I 
should pass them by, choosing rather to confine myself 
to the bright berries and tinted leaves of the season — 
grass plumes and the glorious chrysanthemums in all 
their shades of crimson and gold, their glistening pinks, 
and the feathery snowdrifts of the white varieties. The 
berries and leaves are effective, fastened Dresden fashion 
to the curtains and draperies of the rooms, and the grasses 
will fill in any bare-looking comer ; but the chrysanthe- 
mums — the queens of autumn — should be in evidence 
everywhere, banked on the mantels and in vases and 
bowls. With such a range of colors as they show, one 
could easily arrange a scheme for each room, and it is 
always in better taste not to mix colors. 

Pumpkins one must ha^ on Hallowe'en, but with the 
exception of one or two to hold grasses, I should leave 
them out of the decorations. Let the dining-room flowers 
be white if possible, and the shades of the lamps and can- 
dles crimson and yellow. If one has a penchant for rib- 
bons, broad ones of the chosen color can be drawn from 
the chandelier above to the four corners of the table, end- 
ing in pretty bows, holding two or three white chrysan- 
themums, like those of the centerpiece, which should be 
arranged in a clear glass vase. Instead of a square of 
embroidery or lace, one can use with good effect the au- 
tumn leaves and berries around the bottom of the vase. 



78 ZNTZnTAINNLNTS FOR ALL SEASONS 

For a menu, I would suggest the following, which is 
light but very dainty : 

Peanut Sandwiches. Cheese Straws. 

Bread Sticks. 

Waldorf Salad in Apple Cases. 

Chocolate Ice Cream. 

Japanese Cream Cake. Hallowe'en Cake. 

Coffee. Chocolate. 

I have left out nuts and apples, but as they play quite 
a part in the festivities of the evening, they will not be 
missed from the supper. They can be heaped up in suit- 
able dishes and bowls, and placed here and there, in con- 
spicuous places in the rooms, for the guests to enjoy at 
their pleasure. 

For the peanut sandwiches, butter wafers very thinly, 
and then spread between them the finely ground nuts, 
taking care that the peanuts are freshly roasted. 

CHEESE STRAWS 

One cupful grated cheese, one-half cupful mixed but- 
ter and lard, three tablespoonfuls sweet milk and one-half 
teaspoonful each of salt, cayenne pepper and mustard. 
Mix with flour to a stiff dough, roll thin, cut into straws 
and bake in a quick oven. 

WALDORF SALAD 

Equal quantities of chopped apple and celery, with 
nut meats to taste. Mix a little mayonnaise dressing 
with this, and fill into cases made from scooped out ap- 
ples. Put another spoonful of the dressing on top and 
garnish with sprigs of parsley. 

JAPANESE CREAM CAKE 

One pound of sugar creamed with one pound of but- 
ter ; add alternately the yelks of six eggs, with one cup- 
ful sweet milk and one pound of flour, and lastly the 
well-beaten whites of the eggs. Divide into two parts, 
and to one-half the batter add one cupful of raisins, one- 
fourth of a pound of citron, one tablespoonful grated 



TOR HALLOWE'EN 79 

chocolate and one tablespoonful of mixed spice. Bake in 
four layers, and in putting together alternate the fruit 
and plain layers. For the filling, boil together one grated 
cocoanut, the juice of two lemons, two cupfuls of sugar 
and one cupful of milk, until the mixture is quite thick. 

HALLOWE'EN CAKE 

Bake three layers of any good white cake and use the 
following as a filling : Three tablespoonfuls of granulated 
gelatine dissolved in one-half a cupful of boiling water ; 
then add one pound of confectioners' xxx sugar and two 
tablespoonfuls of grated chocolate, and beat until very 
stiff. After spreading the layers, sprinkle with chopped 
walnuts, pressing them down with a knife-blade. 



For amusements, I know of no better ones than those 
used by a party of ihy young friends last Hallowe'en. 
They are old, but it seems to me an essential part of the 
pretty observance of the day to keep alive the remem- 
brance of the old practices peculiar to it. 

The guests arrived in rather straggling order, and a 
ghostly array they were, with white masks and each form 
enveloped from top to toe in a sheet. Hoods made from 
pillow-cases hid their heads, and each one carried a fright- 
ful jack-o'-lantern, so this is where the pumpkins came in 
on this Hallowe'en. As they arrived, they set their jack- 
o'-lanterns around and about on the verandas to take the 
place of Japanese lanterns. 

As they came in, their hostess pinned a name on each 
back, and not until each identity was discovered were 
they allowed to unmask. 

After each young man had drawn the name of the 
young lady to whom he was expected to play the de- 
voted, a hunt for fortune was begun. Here and there a 
knot of red or yellow ribbon was visible, and under each 
knot began two threads. Following the course of the 
walls, these clues ran from room to room, some to end 
on the verandas, others up-stairs, behind pictures, in 



80 ZNTZ'RTAINJIiZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

books, or smuggled away behind the palms and flowers. 
They hunted in pairs, until each thread led to a little 
scroll — those tied with red for the lassies, and those with 
yellow for the lads. When all were found they reassem- 
bled, and the fortunes were read aloud, for the delecta- 
tion of the company. It requires no little ingenuity to 
map out some twenty or thirty futures, and while one 
needs carefully to abstain from prophesying anything like 
ill luck, still one may introduce any little element of the 
ridiculous which has no sting ; and the more oi the mar- 
velous the better. 

After this, a gypsy in a screened corner of the hall 
read palms for those who so desired ; in another place 
was the test of the three saucers, whereby the young men 
could ascertain whether the partners of their lives would 
come to them as maids or widows, or if mayhap they 
were to live single all their days. They were led blind- 
folded to the table, and their fate was decided by the 
saucer they happened to touch — the empty one foretell- 
ing bachelorhood, the one with flour a widow, and that 
with water a maid. 

These diversions, with the well-known tests with 
apple seeds and roasting nuts, filled the time until the 
refreshments were served, and then came the ever laugh- 
able feat of bobbing for apples. On this occasion of 
which I write, the tub was set at a convenient height on 
a table and filled to the brim with water. There was one 
apple floating tipsily about for each boy, and in each 
apple were inserted a three-cornered and square slip of 
tinfoil, which protected from the water the bits of paper 
inside, on which were written minute descriptions of the 
personnel of the future wife and husband of the successful 
bobber and his evening's partner, and a very circumstan- 
tial account of the way in which they were to meet each 
other, even the date, and initials of the name. 

There are many other schemes which can be used, 
but I think it a good plan to leave much to the suggestion 
of the guests themselves. Let the keynote of the evening 
be informality and innocent merry-making. 



ion HALLOWE'EN S\ 

A Hallowe'en Festival 
TN a certain country home there was given one year a 
^ party that, wdth such changes as individual taste would 
suggest, might serve as a model for the simple, informal 
gathering a Hallowe'en festival should be. The young 
hostesses themselves had made all the preparations, in- 
cluding the decoration of the room and cooking the sup- 
per, and with no more than the pleasurable excitement of 
such an occasion, were ready to welcome their guests, at 
the hour specified, with serene hearts and the conscious- 
ness that, except for the baking of rolls and making of 
coffee, they could dismiss **the food question'* from 
their minds. 

The decorations of the room did not vary greatly 
from those in general use. There were long vines of 
wild white clematis, gathered when the feathery seeds 
were first formed, and quantities of yellow chrysanthe- 
mums. The window curtains and the portieres were re- 
moved and draperies of yellow cheese-cloth substituted, 
and over these trailed the pale clematises. Among the 
vines on the mantel were set tall candles with yellow 
shades ; the old brass candlesticks were brought out for 
the buffet and side table. The table had no cloth but a 
large square of fringed yellow cheese-cloth in its center, 
and there were doilies of the same material under the 
principal dishes. A tall, old-fashioned lamp with white 
porcelain shade stood in the middle, with a cylinder of 
black canvas, covering all but the white shade around it. 
A single thickness of cheese-cloth over the shade tem- 
pered the light still further, and the space immediately 
outside the tall black column of the lamp was in deep 
shadow. ' Quantities — one might almost say heaps — of 
clematis vines piled irregularly in this shadowed space 
gave a still weirder effect to the four witches standing at 
intervals, with their outstretched brooms, ready to take 
flight. The witches were jointed dolls, dressed in long 
black cloaks, lined with yellow, with their hair drawn un- 
der the high-crowned black hats, and the brooms, the 



82 ZNTLILTAINJ^LNIS TOK ALL SEASONS 

ten-cent toy variety, with their handles painted black. 
The china was white, with narrow yellow bands ; and 
there were dishes of pop-corn and small baked sweet 
apples. Fancy baskets, wreathed with chrysanthemums, 
held large yellow apples and various kinds of nuts ; there 
were plates of ginger snaps, oat-meal cookies, little nut- 
shaped fruit cakes and lemon-jelly tarts, with loaves of 
sponge and frosted pound cakes ; and there were rolled 
sandwiches, filled with orange marmalade, and tied with 
narrow yellow ribbons. Other sandwiches — of highly 
seasoned minced egg and ham, chicken, and brown bread 
with cheese — were handed around, after all the guests 
were seated, with the hot rolls and coffee. 

Beside each place-card was a small Japanese bowl of 
yellow and black ware, holding three small white candles 
— the kind used on Christmas trees — held upright in 
chestnut bur saucers by means of pins thrust through the 
burs and into the candles. At each end of the table was 
a larger bowl of the same ware, covered with a square of 
black gauze. When the guests had taken their places, 
they were told to wish for three things : one for each of 
the candles beside them, and for as many candles as 
burned beyond the striking of the clock, the wishes 
would come true, each in order according to the time the 
candle burned ; the wish belonging to the candle which 
burned the longest, of course, to come first on the list of 
good things in the future. It had been necessary to ex- 
periment with these candles to find the average time of 
burning, that a sufficient proportion among them should 
survive the time limit ; and in each bowl a little water 
was poured — just enough to keep the chestnut burs thor- 
oughly wet — but not enough to raise them from the china. 
When the ceremony of lighting w^as over, a hush fell, as 
the tiny candles gleamed brilliantly on the waiting faces, 
and there was more than one real sigh as a flame rose, 
fell, and then, for an instant, rose again, before the final 
quenching which signified the failure of another wish. 
The room was absolutely still, save for the crackling of 
the wood-fire on the hearth, when the clock struck the 



TOli HALLOWE'EN 83 

first note of the midnight chime, and, as if to mark the 
moment, several tiny flames flickered and went out to- 
gether. It was before the spell was broken that the black 
covers were lifted from the yellow bowls, and each guest 
was asked to choose one from among the nuts that lay 
therein. These were English walnuts, tied around with 
narrow ribbons — yellow and white together for the girls, 
black and yellow for the men — and from each nut the 
meat had been removed and a selected quotation put in 
its place. These quotations, a few of which are ap- 
pended, were as diverse in character as possible, and 
chanced in some cases to be peculiarly appropriate, and 
they added not a little to the pleasure of the niidnight 
feast. 

*' By a sweet path now thou wanderest." 

" I pray thee be less good, less sweet, less wise." 

» 

"Thoulack'st not Friendship's spell word." 

" And if for some I keep a nobler place, 

I keep for none a happier place than thee." 

"To-morrow? Ay, to-morrow thou shalt buy them." 

" Lie slumbering, with forgetfulness oppressed." 

*' Blessed in thy deeds as in thy fame, 
What lengthened honors wait thy name." 

*' Lag not now, though rough the way. 
Fortune's mood brooks no delay." 



IX 

Thanksgiving Dinners and Retinions 



Harvest Home festivities 
nPHE suburban hostess of November finds a lavishness 
^ in nature to help her. Blazing by the roadside, if the 
fall is late, are sprays of delinquent golden rod. Feathery 
clematis waves over stone walls and Michaelmas daisies 
linger to look, with their starry blossoms aglow with faith, 
into the gray sky. Bittersweet, too, may be gathered for 
the simple fee of labor. Surely a hostess lacks nothing to aid 
her decorative art, for Autumn, our handmaiden, is at the 
door, and the charm of an interior room may be the self- 
same charm of Nature's larger room, if given sympathetic 
gleaning and nimble fingers fulfill a mission of good taste. 

But there are multitudes who have no access to forest, 
field or wood. The high walls of civilization shut them 
under city roofs. However, even tiny apartments may 
often breathe the true spirit of hospitality and prove 
perfect scenes for the gathering together of happy guests. 

The autumn is essentially a season tor reunion. 
Nature itself is being garnered and housed. When har- 
vests are plentiful, the spirit of the nation is for generosity 
and good cheer. Whether your home be in the city or 
country, there is reason to rejoice — is there not? — when 
Thanksgiving Day, our National Harvest Home, appears 
upon the calendar of the year. 

In every heart there should be some special reason for 
thankfulness. Gather in your friends, then, to rejoice 
with you. Let me give two suggestions for the autumn 
hostess. The first for the country woman, the second for 
her city-bred sister. If we have a late fall, and the 
November temperature permits, no form of entertainment 



THANKSGIVING DINNEKS AND REUNIONS 85 

could be more representative of a harvest-home rejoicing 
on the farm than an old-fashioned barn-dance. The hay 
in the loft is a picturesque addition, yet great care must 
be taken in the placing of lights, lest the sudden blaze of 
a lantern lead to a disastrous fire. For this reason, no 
Japanese paper lanterns should be used within the barn, 
although they add greatly to the festal air if they are 
plentifully swung among the trees along the road on 
which the guests must come. 

Great shocks of corn may effectively be placed in 
three corners, of the barn, and in the fourth a picturesque 
bower for the musican may be created by grouping hem- 
lock and cedar boughs to form an arched recess. The 
fragrant, spicy odors become an additional pleasure. 
Within this retreat Jack-o'-lanterns formed of the mirth- 
provoking pumpkin should be suspended, and much 
merriment will arise if the faces of the jovial Jacks are 
varied by the burlesque wink of one pumpkin eye, or the 
contagious up-lift of the laughing yellow lips. Upon a 
primitive three-legged stool within this leafy seclusion an 
old-time fiddler should hold sway. If he will submit to 
wearing a costume, the reproduction of that of a court- 
jester is appropriate. His bright red cap gives a dash of 
color in the green-wood, and his suspended bells yield a 
jingling accompaniment to the soaring strains of the 
fiddle. 

Old-fashioned dances are best for such an occasion. 
Waltzes, polkas, the lanciers, a quadrille, and as a grand 
finale, partners should be chosen for the Virginia Reel. 
A few games may happily vary the entertainment of the 
evening. ''Oats, Peas, Beans," ''The Muffin Man,'' 
*'The Mulberry Bush" and "Little Sallie Waters Sitting 
in the Sun ' ' will revive the youthful memories of your 
guests, and bring much added mirth. If there is in the 
barn an adjoining harness-room, it may be cleared to 
provide the scene of a corn-husking. Do not forget that 
the tradition of the red ear gives to the finder the same 
privilege accorded by the over-shadowing mistletoe of 
Christmastide, 



86 ZNTEHTAINNZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

If the hostess thinks that the guests would not object 
to a decided preparation of toilette she may ask them to 
come in Indian costume ; for the blanketed squaws and 
feather-crowned chiefs are in very true harmony with a 
harvest-home celebration. Or if preferred, let them 
appear in Colonial costume, to represent the Pilgrim 
Fathers, who gave the first Thanksgiving feast to the red- 
skins of Plymouth. 

The invitations, engraved or written, may read as 
follows : 

The honor of your presence is requested at a 
Harvest Home Barn Dance. 

Indian or 
Wicopee Farm. Colonial Costume. 

The menu can, with propriety, be a small repetition 
of an old-time Thanksgiving feast. 

Cold Turkey. 

Sally Lunn or Virginia Hoe Cake. 

Chicken or Celery Salad. 

Cranberry Tarts. Pumpkin Pie. 

And as a beverage, sweet cider served in mugs of 
quaint design. These mugs will be appreciated souvenirs 
of the occasion, if you care to bestow them upon your 
guests. 



The city hostess faces a different problem as she plans 
in her house or apartment an appropriate November 
party. Call it, if you will, an Assembly of the Thankful, 
and ask your guests, as they enter, to write upon a card 
some special reason for national or individual gratitude. 
The man and woman who convey the greatest similarity 
in these expressions of benefits received should become 
partners for the evening of fun which is to follow. 

Hallowe'en games may be played. Bobbing for 
apples, roasting chestnuts, walking backward with a 
mirror to see the face of a future life-partner, and any or 
all of the other merriments which abound on Witches' 
Night. Or an informal musicale will diminish greatly the 



THANKSGIVINQ DINNEKS AND 'REUNIONS 87 

problem of entertainment. A pretty game of forfeits may 
also be played at the close of the evening. 

Introduce '' Jack-o'-lantern, Magican and Magistrate/* 
and forthwith cause to appear a huge Jack-o'-lantern. It 
may be borne in like a Christmas boar's head, upon a 
large platter, or may be unveiled where it stands hereto- 
fore hidden upon an adjacent table. The pumpkin from 
which it is formed should previously have been divided 
in as many pieces as the guests number. These sections 
are replaced by the sticky aid of a thin mucilage of 
gelatine, or Jack may wear a hair-ribbon or wreath of 
laurel to complete his perfect amalgamation of parts. 
Invite the guests to draw a slice, and each will find hidden 
within a written card telling the finder's fortune and the 
forfeits each must pay to deserve it. For instance, a few 
might read : 

1. To become rich and prosperous. Dance a jig. 

2. To attain fame. Sing your loudest song. 

3. To become very patriotic. Sing '^ America.^ ^ 

4. To attain a power of expression. Define the 
sensations of mirth and fear. 

These may be varied indefinitely. No two should be 
alike, and as each is drawn from the magic pumpkin the 
holder, if he or she wishes to attain Jack's promise, must 
pay the forfeit by the accomplishment of the prescribed 
feat. 

For refreshments, serve ices in various fruit forms, 
whigs (made after an old English recipe), grapes, or plum 
pudding (alight with flame), raisins, nuts and coffee. 

In city or country, wherever you become the almoner 
of the happiness of the guests you favor by invitation, let 
natural light-heartedness be the spirit of the evening. In 
true hospitality, as indeed in all the manifestations of 
social life, reality and sincerity, not pomp and display, 
are the tests of nobility. Be proud to reign in your 
domain of home. Let your greetings be sincere, your 
laugh one of unaffected merriment, your hospitality glad 
and free. So shall you and your guests enjoy with 
thanksgiving a happy Harvest Home. 



S8 ZNTZnjAlNNLNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

A Thanksgiving Tea 
XHE month of November brings to us wonderful golden 
-*- days of nature — days tiptoeing on the brink of 
summer and winter. With glowing faces and whis- 
pered wind secrets, these days come and go as a vision. 
The corn is stacked in the field ; the leaves, tanned and 
browned, play underneath the very arms of the naked, 
storm-stripped trees — and then with the passing of the 
summer, nature veils herself under impenetrable mists. 
There comes a lull, and the heart of man pauses with na- 
ture and says : ** Let us give thanks to the God of the 
Harvest.^* 

The Governor's proclamation for a day of prayer and 
thanksgiving comes at this time. Men in giving thanks 
assemble together, and it is oftentimes a thanksgiving in 
the homes for the gathering in of the absent members, 
quite as much as a national day of rejoicing over the 
garnered crops. It often happens that a member of a 
family at home for only a day or so, has but little oppor- 
tunity of [seeing friends outside of the family. Thanks- 
giving Day is therefore an admirable time to give a tea 
in honor of the home-comer, and owing to the nature of 
the day the decorations and refreshments require but little 
thought, for certain "gifts of Nature's fields," as well as 
certain edibles, have come to mean '' Thanksgiving Day." 

Great cornstalks, with the husk merely turned back 
to show the yellow ear, are extremely effective. A 
huge bunch of these on either side of the drawing-room 
door will take the place of palms. They may also be 
placed at the entrance to the dining-room, their sentinel- 
like appearance making them charming as a doorway 
decoration. Here and there great pumpkins hollowed 
out to admit of the flower-pot with its growing green, 
make unique jardinieres. A bunch of com where the ear 
is red, tied by means of a bow of yellow ribbon to the 
chandelier, admits of the same suggestion as the mistle- 
toe of Christmas time, and makes a pretty spot of color, 
besides being the cause of much quiet fun. 



THANKSGIVING DINNEKS AND REUNIONS 89 

Tea should be served at small tables, everything 
being brought from the dining-room table, which, besides 
the viands which it holds, has nothing to embellish it but 
a huge bowl of red and yellow chrysanthemums and a 
trailing bit of smilax wandering here and there over the 
white cloth. The small tea-tables need have no orna- 
ment but their white cloths, as everything is served from 
the dining-room, but tiny pumpkins hollowed out just 
enough to hold little bunches of red and yellow chrysan- 
themums make a pretty centerpiece. For an event of 
this sort the entertainment would naturally be informal, 
and the gathering about small tables for the refreshments 
is a much pleasanter way than the old plan of being 
forced to manage a plate with salad or ice, standing with 
scarce elbow room, and little excuse for agreeable con- 
versation with an equally uncomfortable companion. 

The menu can be simple. Turkey salad with lettuce 
and cranberry sandwiches. Ices in the shapes of small 
chickens, turkeys, or an ear of corn or bunch of grapes, 
would be appropriate, with fancy cakes and coffee. 

A pretty feature is to have a pumpkin table brought 
in during the refreshments and a guessing contest, which 
gives an opportunity for much merriment and for the 
giving of prizes to the lucky guessers. 

This table should be arranged as follows : A small, 
highly polished table (mahogany is perhaps the richest 
in effect), a dainty embroidered centerpiece upon it, and 
standing on this either a silver dish which holds a large 
pumpkin, or the dish may be dispensed with and the 
pumpkin rest directly on the white cloth. This pumpkin 
should be hollowed out, as the others, leaving only its 
yellow shell, the pumpkin holding an assortment of fruit, 
luscious and beautiful — highly polished red-cheeked ap- 
ples, oranges, bananas and grapes ; trailing here and there 
among them a few red leaves, or if these cannot be ob- 
tained owing to the lateness of the season, a spray of 
wild clematis, of bitter-sweet or of smilax. 

The guests are told that underneath the fruit lies 
something suggestive of Nature's ways, and therefore of 



90 ZNT:znTAINJ^ENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

the occasion — to guess what it may be and how much of 
it there may be. 

The guesses will be many and varied. The fruit-dish 
may be passed, the fruit disposed of, and underneath will 
be found the pumpkin seeds, which have been gathered 
together. The prize for the guest that guesses the near- 
est can be a little hom-of-plenty drinking glass. If one 
wishes to give souvenirs of the occasion, charming little 
pencils can be obtained that have the lead pushed out 
from a miniature ear of corn. This feature, however, is 
quite unnecessary. 

Music always ^^ hath charms," and if the hostess can 
arrange to have her tea part reception and part musicale 
it will surely be charming. The singing of a hymn of 
Harvest Home could conclude the music, adding char- 
acter to the occasion. 

The Thanksgiving tea will be found by my readers to 
be a happy idea for this reason : Like all other festivals, 
the merriment of the day has its tide, its ebb and flow of 
amusement, and after the dinner of reunion, as the after- 
noon wears away, the ebb tide becomes noticeable. 
Therefore, the invitation from outside becomes doubly 
agreeable. It is pleasant for home-comers to rejoice with 
other home-comers, and the day of good cheer ending in 
the giving and receiving of hospitality will be marked by 
a feeling of thankfulness that comes not only from past 
benefits bestowed, but from present favors received. 

^^ 
By Way of Decoration 

*' 1X7 HAT are you going to have on the table for 
' ' Thanksgiving ?" was the incessant question asked 
by the little ones when Thanksgiving Day began to show 
on their horizon. ** I give it up," replied the lady of ex- 
hausted ideas. 

But the question was repeated many times and oft, 
and the day grew nearer and nearer. The dinner was 
planned and the guests invited, and as yet no ray of light 
had appeared. There is always fruit in abundance, and 
chrysanthemums are in the height of their season, and no 



THANKSGIVING DINNERS AND 'REUNIONS 91 

one need have a bare table with a good dinner on it ; yet 
an idea and a novel decoration is worth an extra course 
to the dinner, and not many ideas grow on bushes for the 
picking, nor are they to be bought. 

With a blind faith Miladi started for market on 
Wednesday morning, followed with '* Haven't you found 
out yet what you're going to put on the table to-morrow ?" 
ringing in her ears, yet full of a sublime faith that it would 
be *'all right somehow." 

She walked on, down this street and that ; she gave 
the order to butcher, baker and grocer for what had not 
already been prepared, and found herself on the way 
home. ** But the table !" she thought with consternation. 

Just then she passed a toy store, and then and there 
rose out of her ocean of despair the solution of her 
trouble, ^'the Mayflower of 1904," fit successor of her 
namesake that had borne across the mighty waters 
Miladi' s ancestors — a lot of them. 

It was only a toy boat, innocent and useless, but it 
was a brave inspiration, and with her full ship in her head 
Miladi turned her about, and walked and walked, and 
handled all the big green squashes in all the stores, until 
she found one just the size and shape to cut in two pieces 
to make the hull of her vessel. 

Then she bought nice smooth sticks from the florist, 
large enough for mast and boom ; she bought cord and 
white paper from the stationer, for sails and rigging, and 
home she went. 

When Milord came home from business she took him 
into her confidence, because he was an expert with a 
carving knife, and had also a nautical education (lim- 
ited), and as she unfolded the scheme, he quite compre- 
hended and promised to do his part. 

When the family was summoned to sit down to the 
feast, they found ''The Mayflower of 1904 " (so writ upon 
her mainsail) full rigged, and loaded with a goodly cargo 
of fruits of all kinds, sailing on a beautiful, smooth sea 
of looking glass — a big mirror from the upper regions — 
toward the end of the table, where reposed Plymouth 



92 ZNTE'RTAINJ^ZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

Rock, surrounded by the ** rock-bound coast," and an 
occasional shell deposit (accumulated in journeys from 
Maine to the Gulf of Mexico). 

Contrary to the original state of things, lovely ferns 
were luxuriant around the '' rock-bound coast," and deli- 
cate "stevia" blossoms hid the ocean's boundaries, but 
it was '^The Mayflower of 1904," not 1620, and things 
have changed in a few hundred years. 

When the little folks and the big folks came to the 
dinner-table they all said: ''Why, we've never had so 
pretty a table before," and they all talked about it, and 
didn't know whether they had a good dinner or not, and 
praised Miladi for being so ' ' cute ' ' and Milord for being 
so expert, and for having had a nautical education. 

A Unique Table Decoration 
A SCARECROW caricature from a well-known maga- 
^^ zine gave the hint which developed into an im- 
posing sight when the dining-room doors were gently 
rolled apart and this wonderful vara avis appeared to 
the waiting guests. 

A large yellow squash of just the requisite shape came 
easily into the possession of the decorator, four carrots of 
sufficient size to uphold the bulk of the bird, and a long, 
slender carrot very nearly the color of the squash served 
as the neck of this remarkable specimen. 

A long, white turnip with red base was the bird's 
head, and two slices of carrot made the ears. 

The eyes were cranberries stuck in with toothpicks, 
and a comb of toothpicks with cranberries on the ends 
made him a lordly sight. Around his neck was a collar of 
toothpicks, and a bunch of parsley made a graceful and 
appropriate tail. The neck was slender enough to vibrate 
gently when the waitress walked around the room, and 
altogether, for a thing of its composite make-up, it had a 
startlingly life-like appearance. 

A ruffie or circular mat of crimped tissue paper, green 
in color, was his background, and all around him were 



THANKSGIVING DINNLKS AND REUNIONS 93 

pop-corn balls for him to graze upon should he feel so 
inclined. 

Upon various spaces around and about this bird of 
the first magnitude were lesser marvels in the ornitho- 
logical line, and some reptiles as well. 

Red and white onions that had natural tails were 
adorned with cranberry or raisin eyes and toothpick 
legs, and assigned graceful attitudes on the green. A 
cucumber slashed along the side, with red eyes and 
antenncB of fierce proportions, had a realistic and hor- 
rible green cockroach effect. Turtles made of fat raisins 
with cloves for legs and head, were small but effective 
adornments. Radishes lent themselves to the adornment 
of the feast, for this was all obtained in a city market, 
where season does not enter into the consideration of the 
artist or housekeeper, and cucumbers or other garden 
vegetables are procurable at any time. Still, these mon- 
strosities were not indispensable, and His Majesty stood 
proudly rampant, ^ ' the noblest Roman of them all, ' ' and 
a monument to the possibilities of a decorative hand and 
the things which are in nearly all barns and larders in the 
land at this season of the year. 

The dinner? What did it matter? Everybody ate all 
he could, at each round discovering some new specimen 
of bird, beast or fish that had escaped his glance, and 
laughing enough to digest anything there was served, 
even if it had been underdone or dried up in the process 
of preparation. 

And then, besides all this, which made talk and 

laughter and fun, there was this other, which is summed 

up in the words of the wise man : 

^* A dinner of herbs where love is, is better than a stalled 
ox and hatred therewith." 



Suggestions for the Church Bazaar 



T 



Two Ways of Raising Money 

ONE WAY — A MEMORY TABLE 

O those having in charge the planning and work of 

church fairs and suppers, the soHciting of food or 
articles for sale is not always a pleasant part of their 
duties. 

We who have tried it know that it takes a good deal 
of courage and perseverance to ask the same people, 
again and again, to contribute to the needs of the occasion. 
Consequently, a new departure suggested by one of our 
members was gladly welcomed. 

The suggestion was this, that a committee be appointed 
to look up the names and addresses of those living in 
other localities, who at some time in the past had been 
either members of our society or in some way interested 
in it. To these persons letters were sent soliciting the 
contribution of any articles they might choose to send 
that would be suitable for sale. 

In response to these requests a large number of 
articles were received, which found a readier sale from 
"^ the fact that they were contributed by old friends and 

acquaintances. 

Our memory sale proved a great success, and a very 
satisfactory increase in the treasury was the result. 



ANOTHER WAY 

Can you tell us some new way of raising money to 
meet our expenses ? This is an ever recurring question 
among church workers. 



SUGGESTIONS TOK THE CHUKCH SAZAAR 9$ 

To those who are tired of church suppers, sale tables, 
and the like, the ** Calendar" plan may prove a welcome 
change. 

Select some person to represent the year, who for the 
honor conferred will be willing to contribute one, three 
or five dollars ; this person must agree to find twelve 
persons to represent the months ; each of these persons 
agrees to pay for that privilege fifty cents. 

Each month is to find four persons to represent the 
weeks, and each week will contribute as his or her share 
twenty-five cents. 

Each week is expected to find seven persons or days ; 
each day to subscribe ten cents. 

The sums here named are optional and may be 
increased or diminished according to the conditions of 
the society. Nor is it necessary that the entire calendar 
be represented by different persons ; one person by paying 
the sums agreed upon may represent not only a month, 
but also the weeks and days. 

An Old-fashioned Bazaar 
T*HE old-fashioned bazaar, with its numerous booths, 
^ meant a great deal of work for a small amount of 
money, and there were almost always many articles left 
unsold which somebody must be induced to purchase. 

A much better way is to have a sale of some common 
article which everybody needs and which can be sold at a 
reasonable price. One of the most unwise things that 
people do who have charge of bazaars is to expect their 
purchasers to pay two prices for some piece of fancy-work 
for which they have no use. Rummage sales, from 
which societies have realized so much, owed a part of 
their popularity to the fact that so little labor, in com- 
parison to the net return, was expended in getting them 
ready. 

An apron sale, at which aprons of every description, 
from the dainty ruffled ones of figured organdy, for 
afternoon wear, to the big gingham kitchen apron, are 



96 ENTZ-RTAINNENTS FOU ALL SEASONS 

sold, is much less work than the ordinary bazaar, and 
usually brings in more money. 

A sofa pillow sale is sure to be popular, especially if 
held just before the holidays. One cannot have too 
many pillows, and very few people find time to make all 
they would like to have. 

A handkerchief bazaar, to which the following invi- 
tation may be sent out, may be made one of the prettiest 
of affairs : 

'* GREETING 

" To our friends, whether far or near, 

We crave your kind attention ; 
Do please to lend us now your ear, 

While we a subject mention. 
The will hold, 

On a day not distant far. 
If we have been correctly told, 

A ' Handkerchief Bazaar.' 
So this, then, is our plea in brief, 

To help along our enterprise. 
That you shall send a handkerchief, 

Regardless of its kind or size. 
To be without a handkerchief 

You know is quite distressing, 
And so we ask that one you'll send ; 

'Twill surely bring a blessing." 

It is such a slight request that very few people will 
refuse it. The result is usually a great many handker- 
chiefs that can be sold at moderate prices, and perhaps 
some more elaborate ones which may be sold at auction. 
The booth where the bazaar is held may be decorated 
with the handkerchiefs. The big bandannas make very 
effective backgrounds for the dainty ones of lace and 
embroidery. 

Yet the newest and oddest of all is a ^^ Calico Carni- 
val.^' It is guaranteed to furnish more amusement than 
any other kind of a social. The society who gave it had 
the oddly written announcement given below published 
in the local papers a week in advance. They also used 
it as a handbill ; 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THZ CHUKCN SAZAAK 97 

*' CALICO CARNIVAL 

" Consider yourself cordially invited to be present at the 
correctly constructed and considerately combined calico 

carnival to be held at Hall, Friday night, February — , 

19 — , admission fifteen cents. 

** Conspicuous courses served in confused compactness : 
One conglomerated compound circle. One cup communi- 
cative cordial (containing no chicory), or one cup of Chinese 
cheer, or one cup of choice churned cream and one cider 
cured cucumber, and one cup of cold comfort. 

*' Rules and Regulations: All ladies to wear a calico 
gown, also requested to bring half a pound of carefully cut 
carpet rags. All gentlemen to wear a calico tie and kindly 
requested to bring a thimble. 

'' Fines will be imposed for the following : Any lady who 
fails to wear a calico gown, ten cents; any lady who fails to 
bring half a pound of carefully cut carpet rags, ten cents ; 
any gentleman who fails to wear a calico tie, twenty-five 
cents ; any gentleman who fails to bring a thimble, five cents. 

'* P. S. — There will be for sale cheap, cunning calico con- 
veniences that will be a constant comfort. 

** N. B. — Any person who sits in a corner and refuses to 
converse will be fined five cents. 

" This sale of calico conveniences will begin at ." 

Of course, everybody came. The lines and admissions 
alone would have paid the ladies for the trouble of getting 
up the carnival. 

Among the '^calico conveniences'^ which sold 
readily were the following articles : Dusting caps, button 
bags and bags of every description, chair cushions, aprons 
with bibs and aprons without, and, in fact, everything 
that could possibly be manufactured from calico. 

The carpet rags were given to the gentlemen to sew. 

An inexpensive prize was given to the one who first 

finished his task. 

^^ 

A Morning Glory Fair 
A T a church fair the flower-booth attracted special no- 
-^ tice. It was decorated with morning glories made of 
crepe paper, in different colors. The flowers were pro- 
fusely twined among the spruce boughs that formed the 
top of the booth, and were extremely effective and very 
natural. The flower-girls wore large hats with morning 



98 ZNTLKTAINNLNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

glory trimming, and were in light summer dresses. 
Several other tables were similarly decorated, and those 
in charge wore morning glories in profusion, twined in 
the hair and falling in graceful festoons from skirt and 
bodice. Morning glory tea was served from a small 
table, over which stood a large Japanese umbrella covered 
with the flowers, in cups that carried out the color scheme 
of the flowers. Each person purchasing a cup of tea 
was presented with a flower as a souvenir of the occasion. 
There was a Chinese laundry in one corner of the 
room, w^hich proved an attraction for the children. Five 
and ten-cent packages were given out in return for 
realistic pink checks covered with Chinese hieroglyphics. 
These checks were procured and paid for at an adjacent 
table, and presented at the laundry, and in return the 
children received packages resembling laundry bundles. 
Pink paper checks decorated the booth and the attendant 
was dressed as John Chinaman. 

A Walking Grab-Bag 
A FAIR which can furnish a walking grab-bag for the 
-^ children will be well repaid in nickels, which will add 
a neat little sum to the general fund. Unlike the station- 
ary grab-bag of fifteen or twenty years ago, into which 
our eager hands used to dive, this has the novelty of 
never being two minutes in one place, but it is everywhere 
the children are. The person inside the bag should be 
bright and lively, as well as original. An old woman in 
cap and spectacles, with a white kerchief worn surplice 
fashion, pleases the children immensely. Her dress must 
contain innumerable pockets in all sorts of funny places — 
high up for the taller children, and low down for wee 
toddlers. 

The bag is more attractive if an old-fashioned hoop- 
skirt is worn ; this brings the pockets, with their mysteri- 
ous packages protruding from them, into greater prom- 
inence, and creates more sport for the little ones. The 
wearer of this quaint costume is usually kept busy as long 
as the grabs last. 



SUGGESTIONS FOK THE CHWRCH SAZAAH 99 

If the fair is held in a large hall where there is plenty 
of room, two people, costumed differently, may represent, 
one a five and the other a ten-cent grab-bag. 

It is well for each to be provided with a little whistle, 
and should the sales lag this will usually summon a fresh 
crowd of grabbers. 

The articles selected to fill the pockets should be of 
uniform value, and as far as possible be worth the money 
invested. 

A Measuring Party 
COMETHING novel for charity functions is always being 
^ sought, and some bright person planned a measuring 
party. 

The invitations sent out, or the advertisement printed 
either on circulars or in the local paper, should read some- 
thing like the following doggerel, which was composed 
by a young lady for one of these entertainments, in aid of 
the preaching fund of a small country church : 

"A measuring party is given to you; 
'Tis something novel as well as new. 
Measure your height on door or wall ; 
Bring two cents for each foot tall, 
An extra half-penny for each inch give, 
And thereby show how high you live. 

The people of church get the money. 

They work all the day 

And get you a supper for very little pay. 

With music and song and pleasure so hearty 
We will greet you, one and all, 

At our * Measuring Party.' " 

A supper should be provided and some other enter- 
tainment. Booths may be added for the sale of lemonade, 
candy, etc. 

99 

Entertainment for a Church Sociable 
FVlSTRIBUTE cards or slips of paper on each of which 
^ is written a number and the name of some animal, as 
rat, horse, elephant, turtle, etc., no two being alike. 
Next distribute cakes of common white chewing wax — 
obtainable at any confectioner's — to those having cards. 



100 ZNTEKTAINNZNIS FOK ALL SEASONS 

Tell each one to chew his wax and with it make a repre- 
sentation of the animal named on his card, offering a 
prize for the best work. A certain time is allowed for 
doing this, at the end of which the figures with the cards 
belonging to them are placed on a table set apart for 
that purpose, and a committee previously appointed 
decides on the prizes. Something inexpensive, such as a 
flowering plant, may be given to the best artist, and a 
five-cent toy animal to the poorest 

A "Box Table" 

A T a church fair held annually in a thriving manufac- 
^ turing city, a "box table ^' has for several years fur- 
nished quite an addition to the net proceeds. For those 
who object to grab boxes, voting-tables, and other lottery 
schemes, this offers a pleasing substitute ; while at the 
same time exciting the curiosity which usually ensures a 
liberal patronage. 

Although the contents of the boxes are unknown to 
the purchasers, they are bound to contain something fully 
equal in value to the price paid, which, at this particular 
fair, has always been the sum of twenty-five cents. One 
person finds, on opening her box, that it contains nothing 
of greater or less value than that of her neighbor, conse- 
quently no ill feelings arise. 

The lady in charge of the table asks for contributions 
of boxes which shall contain some useful or fancy article 
worth just twenty-five cents. When all the donations 
have been handed in, they are found to consist of boxes 
large and small, oblong, square, and of a variety of 
colors ; these are neatly wrapped in paper and securely 
tied. The purchasers are given their choice as to size 
and shape, and are rarely dissatisfied with their bar- 
gains. 

Over the table in large letters, is the sign "Box 
Table," and sometimes a variety of prettily decorated 
boxes suspended from strings of evergreen render it more 
attractive. 



SUGGESTIONS FOU. THE CHURCH SAZAAH 101 

The fact that the articles cannot be seen until they 
have been purchased, lends a degree of mystery which 
warrants quick sales, and the quarters count up quite 
rapidly, with the right person behind the table. 

A Poppy Fair 
A POPPY fair gives great satisfaction. The decorations 
-^ present a brilliant effect where each table has its own 
particular color. While the scarlet poppy is most 
effective, other colors blend in very prettily ; even black 
and white, with yellow centers, are very attractive. 

Paper poppies are easily and quickly made, the large 
petals requiring less dexterity in cutting than those of 
smaller flowers. At a fair of this kind, not only were the 
tables decorated with them, but all the attendants wore 
poppies corresponding to the color of their tables, in their 
hair and upon their dress, wherever a branch could be 
effectively placed. 

Little flower girls in white, with wreaths of scarlet 
poppies on their heads, carried baskets of them suspended 
from their necks by ribbons, and found ready customers 
for them at five cents a poppy. 

The supper-room was draped with festoons of poppies 
in scarlet and black with yellow centers, and the effect 
was brilliant. Much of the fancy-work upon the different 
tables displayed poppies either in embroidery or painting. 

Flower Fetes 
'THE Hani-ichi, or open air flower market of Japan, 
-*- offers a novel suggestion for the arrangement of a 
flower stall at a fair or a flower show. The stall should 
be covered with evergreens and brilliantly lighted with 
paper lanterns. The attendants wear Japanese costumes 
and have their hair dressed elaborately with chrysanthe- 
mums and plum blossoms. At this stall chrysanthemums, 
fern balls and any other Japanese plants and flowers that 
can be procured are sold. Japanese hop and grape vines 



102 ZNTE-RTAINNENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

are easily raised from seeds ; they are very graceful and 
the leaves prettily marked. Plant them in little blue and 
white china bowls and train up on cane trellises. These 
vines will have to be planted some weeks in advance of 
the fair. Bulbs of the gold-rayed lily and packets of 
Japanese morning-glory seeds may also be sold. The 
flowers and seeds may be obtained from any reputable 
seedsman at a discount. This flower stall will be quite 
attractive at a fair held in a town where these Japanese 
flowers are novelties, and quite a good sum of money 
will be realized. Another pretty idea for a flower stall 
is to have it presided over by Mistress Mary and her fair 
maidens all in a row. The stall is built like the quaint 
latticed porch of a cottage, and the cut and potted flowers 
and plants are arranged on the shelves and steps. Mis- 
tress Mary, of course, wears a cotton gown with bouffant 
panniers, high-heeled slippers and a big garden hat. The 
fair maidens are dressed to represent different flowers. 
Charming costumes of cheesecloth, tarlatan or crepe 
paper, may be made with little expense. 

When the flower stall is to be placed in the center of 
the fair room, a round summer house with a canopy roof 
is a most attractive model. The plants and flowers are 
arranged on a table in the center of the summer house, 
which leaves the shelf on the top of the railing entirely 
free for the jars of cut flowers, while the hanging baskets 
and vases may be suspended from the roof. This summer 
house is painted white, and swarms of crepe paper butter- 
flies hover airly and gracefully over the canopy and 
around the posts by means of invisible wires. The last 
night of the fair these butterflies are sold, and thus help 
to swell the profits. The butterflies are an especially 
appropriate and dainty decoration for a flower stall, besides 
they cost very little and are not difficult to make. Neat- 
ness and an eye for color are the only requisites for 
evolving whole clouds of butterflies from crepe paper. 
The majority should be of delicate hues, with rings and 
eyes of gold and colored flitters ; but a few gorgeous 
black, crimson and blue butterflies will add to the eflec- 



SUGGESTIONS FOn THE CHUUCH 'BAZAA'R 103 

tiveness of the swarms. The attendants at this stall wear 
a halo of butterflies around their heads, and groups poised 
over their shoulders. There are two ways of making the 
butterflies ; the less troublesome way is to cut off pieces 
of paper, pleat each through the middle and draw through 
a small clothespin. Then take the stiff paper pattern, 
put it over the unfinished crepe paper butterfly and cut 
out the wings by it. Next add antennae and paint the 
wings. The better way is to make a tapering roll of raw 
cotton, cover with paper and tie near the top for the 
head. Pleat up a piece of paper, wind with wire and glue 
the body to it. When dry cut out the wings, and paint. 

^^ 
A rood Sale 

'THIS is more satisfactory than a fair in many ways. It 
^ can be quickly gotten up, customers are never want- 
ing and returns are very gratifying. No extra trimming 
of booth or chapel is necessary ; and besides replenishing 
a depleted treasury, those who have invested their money 
in a good cause have something in return which has 
made the work at home lighter, and given them a chance 
to buy something besides the ** baker's stuff'' which one 
at times is forced to invest in. 

At several such sales the tables were cleared within 
an hour ; many going even half an hour later than the 
time set, were in many instances obliged to return empty- 
handed. 

The first one of the sales above mentioned was held 
by a Hospital Aid Society, and was confined to cake and 
candy, the latter predominating. The sale was held at 
the home of a member, and was announced by flyers and 
by the local papers. The tables fairly groaned beneath 

their load of sweets, but one customer, Mrs. R , who 

arrived upon the scene an hour from the opening of the 
sale, found nothing but candy left. The hostess informed 
her that she could easily have disposed of twenty more 
loaves of cake. 

At this sale, chocolate at five cents a cup was served, 
also frapp^ at five cents a glass. 



104 ENTEKTAINNZNTS FOJi ALL SEASONS 

The next two sales were also confined to cake and 
candy, in each case with candy in excess. 

At last it was decided by the Alliance of a certain 
church to hold a food sale. Members of the Alliance all 
promised to contribute some article of food. At two 
o'clock, the hour at which the sale opened, the tables of 
the chapel where it was held displayed * ' an array of good 
things innumerable." There was bread — white, oatmeal, 
graham and brown ; jellied chicken, ham, tongue and 
corn beef in slices ; pies of various kinds, jellies, cake 
and fresh-laid eggs. The cake was sold in sheets, half 
sheets and quarter, if desired. The bread in the same 
way, and as it was Saturday, this quickly vanished. Pies 
were sold in halves, or whole. The oatmeal bread w^as 
disposed of before it found place upon the table ; and 
this leads me to remark that bread of the coarse variety 
is more readily sold than white. 

Mrs. R made strenuous efforts to attend this sale, 

and appeared upon the scene early, prepared to pick and 
choose. The sale had been going on just half an hour, 
and the sales had been brisk ; she had the following ar- 
ticles from which to select: Two apple pies, a loaf of 
white bread, one-half loaf of fruit cake, a loaf of sponge 
cake and a plate of lemon jelly. As oatmeal bread and 

cake had been her chief desire, again was Mrs. R 

doomed to disappointment. She has decided the next 
time to take a basket lunch and be on hand immediately 
after breakfast. 

An Old-time Market for a Fair 
A RRANGE the tables like market-booths, with a vege- 
-^ table garden [in which to serve refreshments. Vega- 
tables are easily made from tissue papers stuffed with 
cotton. They make pretty souvenirs. Some fresh vege- 
tables might also be used. The following is a short list 
of booths : 

7. Jack O' Lantern ^<?o/^— Fancy'candles, lamps, match- 
safes, etc. (for men). 



SUGGESTIONS TOK THE CHUKCH SAZAAH. 105 

2. Asparagus Bool/i— Use asparagus fern and bunches of 
the vegetable itself. 

J. Egg-Plant Booth — All fragile articles, such as china 
and glass. 

4. Squash Boolh—Dsiinty articles to "be handled with 
care." 

5. Spinach Booth (Spinnage) — Linens, aprons, etc. 

6. Corn Booth — Pop-corn and candy. 

7. Cauliflower Booth (for children) — Cholly Flower, a 
young English dude doll, sells various vegetables, each one 
of which contains some little gift. Beets, turnips and car- 
rots make most amusing faces for dolls, while corncobs fur- 
nish real "French ladies." 

8. Scarecrow — For boys' shooting target. 

g. Celery Booth (Salary) — Pocketbooks, shopping-bags, 
etc. Also "anything" to induce a young man to spend his 
money. 

The two brothers from Japan, Lords Po Ta To, one 

of Irish extraction and the other fond of sweets, should 

have charge of all funny articles, in honor to Irish wit. 

They might give a juggling entertainment, and their 

cousin. Lady To Ma To, having eaten love apples in 

India, tell fortunes. There is a very pretty little farce — 

A Harvest Night's Festival — in which all the vegetables 

play havoc with the farmer. This might appropriately 

end the "Market.'' 

^^ 

A Wistaria Fair 
A CHAPEL was transformed into a vision of May-day 
-^ loveliness by decorations of wistaria over the differ- 
ent tables, which were ranged round the sides of the 
room, while the flower booth occupied the center. 

To a frame-work consisting of strips of wood were 
tacked hemlock branches. From these drooped graceful 
clusters of wistaria, in colors mostly lavender, the color 
of the blossoms, relieved by an occasional cluster of 
white and pale green. The flowers were made of paper, 
with stems of fine wire, from which they drooped so 
naturally that one could almost inhale the fragrance of 
their petals. Occasional streamers of lavender crepe 
paper added to the richness of the decorations. At this 
fair there were many unique and dainty articles for sale, 



106 ZNTZ-RJAINJ^ENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

some of which I will try to describe. Two large orange 
trees occupied corners of the room, and were a source of 
great enjoyment to the children. Each tree was deco- 
rated with oranges so very natural that one got quite 
close to them before she discovered that they were made 
of orange crepe paper, stufTed with cotton. These 
oranges hung from the branches by slender wires, and 
when opened were found to contain an article or a toy 
worth ten cents, which was the price of each orange. 

At one table piazza hats were for sale. These were 
very dainty and found ready customers. They were 
made of duck and pique of different colors. The crowns 
were Tam o'Shanter style. Rims about five inches wide, 
with several rows of stitching around them, trimmed in 
front with loops of wide satin ribbon. One of white duck 
was very effective with a large black ribbon bow. A soft 
^cru tint had rich brown trimmings ; and one of red, with 
bow of the same color, was very taking. They sold for 
$1.50 each. 

A case for top collars was made of red silk some six- 
teen inches long and eight inches wide. Across the 
length of the silk an inch-wide white ribbon was stitched 
at intervals of about two inches, through which the neck- 
bands were slipped. This made a very dainty receptacle 
for the collar bands so much in vogue. 

An odd, but serviceable pin-cushion was made by 
lining a large wire tea-strainer, with a handle, with blue 
silk, and stuffing it with cotton. A piece of the silk was 
drawn lightly across the back, blue ribbon was pleated 
around the edge, and a blue bow tied to the handle. 

A small white linen bag, with ' ' Turkey Fixings ' ' em- 
broidered upon it in red tambour cotton, had a piece of 
flannel sewed across the top of the inside, into which 
were stuck two large needles. A spool of coarse thread 
and a thimble made this little bag a very useful com- 
panion when preparing a turkey. 

A dainty and convenient receptacle for darning-cot- 
ton was made from two oblong pieces of card-board, 
covered with linen and fastened at the back with 



SUGGESTIONS FOK THE CHUKCH SAZAAH 107 

narrow brown ribbon. Upon the outside this verse was 
printed : 

Carefully darn both heel and toe 

As out into the world you go. 

Upon one-half of the inside was painted in brown the 
picture of a table, upon which was a basket with a stock- 
ing dangling over the side. Upon the other half of the 
inside, half-inch brown ribbon was crossed diagonally, 
and through this were run different-colored skeins of 
mending cotton, neatly braided and cut ready for use. 

A wash-rag bag was made of green linen cut in the 
form of an envelope, lined with thin rubber cloth, feather- 
stitched around on the outside with white silk, the edges 
bound with white tape, and the flap of the envelope fas- 
tened with a ball and socket snap. This contained a 
good-sized white crocheted wash-cloth. 

Very handy needle cases were made of black kid, 
also in the shape of a tiny two-inch envelope, the edges 
bound with yellow ribbon. This contained a paper of 
needles, but was large enough to hold several more. 

99 

A Strawberry Regale 
A VARIATION of the time-honored festival, so potent 
^ in swelling the funds of needy churches in the sea- 
son of berries, would be a strawberry regale. If the 
affair be given in a church parlor or hall, let the commit- 
tee on decoration secure a goodly supply of roses, sy- 
ringas, old-fashioned garden flowers, as well as a pro- 
fusion of vines if possible — the strawberry vine, or the 
potentilla that can be found along railroad tracks or in 
field or lane. With these the room should be profusely 
decorated. Garlands of vines running from the booths 
to the central chandeHer, white curtains looped with the 
vines, and a potted strawberry plant in fruit or flower 
placed in the center of each small table, would carry out 
the scheme of decoration. 

As the name suggests, strawberries should be served 
in every style and form — strawberry ice-cream, straw- 



108 ZNTE-RTAINJ^ZNTS F07( ALL SEASONS 

berries and ice-cream, strawberries and cream, straw- 
berry whip, fruit lemonade, strawberry vinegar, straw- 
berry shortcake, strawberry sherbet. 

In addition to the small tables for serving the cream, 
there should be large tables or booths devoted to the 
lemonade, strawberry whip, strawberry vinegar, and also 
to preserves, jellies, marmalades, and bottled vinegar 
made from this fruit. A special table should offer for 
sale strawberry shortcakes of all sizes for home consump- 
tion, while another should be laden with baskets of straw- 
berries and bunches of flowers. 

The rustic baskets for holding the berries may be 
made from strawberry boxes, or early tomato baskets 
covered with vines and lined with leaves. Wire twisted 
with vines will make convenient handles. The berries in 
these should be of an especially excellent quality ; and 
here it may be well to remark that to make a strawberry 
regale a success, everything should be of the freshest and 
daintiest. 

Waitresses in green muslin gowns, with white aprons 
and caps, will add to the pleasing effect. If it be impos- 
sible to procure the potted strawberry plants, the small 
tables could be decorated in vines with unhulled straw- 
berries scattered among the leaves. To further the 
scheme of decoration, some lady clever with her pencil 
could prepare dainty menus with strawberry decorations, 
giving the price of each article. 

If a fancy table be desired, centerpieces in straw- 
berry designs, china decorated with the fruit would 
give character to the table and add to its attractive- 
ness. 

Below are the recipes for the articles suggested above : 

STRAWBERRY SHERBET 

One and a half pints of crushed strawberries, one pint 
of sugar, one and a half pints of water, the juice of two 
lemons. Boil the water and sugar together for twenty 
minutes ; add lemon and strawberries ; strain and 
freeze. 



SUGGESTIONS FOK THE CHURCH 'BAZAAR 109 

STRAWBERRY ICE-CREAM 

One quart cream, one pint sugar, one quart strawber- 
ries. Mash berries and sugar together and let stand for 
two hours ; add the cream, rub through a strainer and 
freeze. 

STRAWBERRY WHIP 

Into a pint of cream thoroughly chilled on the ice stir 
half a cupful of sugar, half a cupful of fresh strawberries 
which have been mashed and put through a sieve ; whip 
as for whipped cream and serve in sherbet glass. 

STRAWBERRY VINEGAR 

Put two pounds of the fruit and one of sugar in a por- 
celain kettle and mash them well together. Cook like 
jam for twenty minutes, then stir in half a pint of cider 
vinegar to every pound. Give it one boil up and strain. 
When cold, bottle and cork. This keeps well. To serve, 
fill a tumbler half full of crushed ice ; fill to the top with 
the vinegar. 

SHORTCAKE, MADE WITH SHORTENED BISCUIT 

One pint of flour measured before sifting, one and a 
half spoonfuls of baking powder, quarter teaspoonful of 
salt, four teaspoonfuls of butter or lard, one teacupful of 
milk. Mix the dry ingredients with flour and rub through a 
sieve. Rub the butter into the mixture and add the milk. 
Grease two deep cake or pie pans ; spread the mixture 
on them and bake in a quick oven from eighteen to 
twenty minutes. Have mashed a quart of strawberries 
with one cupful of sugar. As soon as the cakes are done, 
split and butter and put half the berries between each 
cake. Serve hot or cold. 

WITH SPONGE CAKE FOUNDATION 

Cream together with the hand for ten minutes one- 
half pound of powdered sugar, one-half pound of well- 
mashed butter and the grated rind of one-half lemon. 
Break in five whole eggs, one at a time, then mix for ten 
minutes longer, always with the hand. Then add slowly 
half a pound of well sifted flour and mix for three min- 



110 ZNTZ-RTAINJUZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

utes. Divide this mixture in three well-greased layer 
cake pans and bake in moderate oven for thirty minutes. 
Remove and let cool. Have ready three pints of sound, 
ripe strawberries. Spread one of the cakes with two 
tablespoonfuls of whipped cream, then half the strawber- 
ries, and sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar. Lay on 
a second cake and repeat, then the last cake. Dredge 
this with sugar and spread with whipped cream. 

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE 

Make ordinary lemonade, adding pineapple and 
strawberries. 

With strawberries the cakes to be served are angels* 
food, white cake and sponge cake, made by the accepted 

recipes. 

^^ 

A rishing Party 
A S ideas for church entertainments are always in de- 
-^ mand, a description of a Fishing Party, given with 
great success, may be of interest. No unusual amount 
of preparation is required to get up this entertainment, 
and it combines several interesting features in a novel 
and enjoyable way. 

When the congregation and their friends assembled, 
they found the church hall transformed. A rustic bridge 
was built out from the stage, enclosing a square space 
that was used for a fish-pond. Rocks and ferns were 
grouped along the edge of the stage, the floor was cov- 
ered with green carpet, and a pretty meadow scene 
painted on coarse cotton was hung at the back of the 
stage, making a very picturesque setting for the pond. 
Steps led up to the bridge, and at the foot was a rustic 
lodge, where, on payment of a fee, the prospective fisher 
was given a pole and a circle of cardboard, upon which 
was marked the number of times he was entitled to fish. 
Thus equipped, he went up on the bridge and fished in 
the pond. Additional fishing tickets were sold by the 
bridgekeepers. Articles of all descriptions and varying 
values were fished forth from the pond, which made it all 



SUQGESTIONS FOK. THE CHURCH SAZAAR \\\ 

the more exciting. Refreshments were served and there 
were a candy and cake table and two stalls where fancy- 
articles were sold. One of these stalls bore the sign, 
Fish Market. Here fish of many brilliant colors and 
quaint shapes were for sale ; they were blotters, shaving 
cases, pincushions, sachet bags, needle books, house- 
wives, penwipers, spool and veil cases, emeries, court- 
plaster cases and kites. They were made of inexpensive 
materials, but their novelty caused them to sell rapidly. 
The fish market was well patronized. At the other stall 
pillows and lamp-shades were sold. Red linen pillows 
shaped like Japanese fish and worked with black attracted 
a great deal of attention ; other pillows had poster fish 
swimming across them, and still others were adorned 
with borders of fishes and anglers' maxims. Fish lamp- 
shades — scarlet, yellow and delicately tinted — found a 
ready sale among the young people, and caused much 
mirth. On the cake table there were many toothsome 
fishes — chocolate and clear candy fish and boxes of candy 
decorated with water color and pen and ink sketches, 
sandwiches cut out with fish-shaped tin cutters, also 
cookies and small iced cakes. The tops of the large 
cakes were ornamented with fish designs done with con- 
trasting colors of icing. 

Fishing in the pond ceased at intervals during the 
evening, and songs, recitations and tableaus were given, 
causing a pleasant diversion and preventing the anglers 
from becoming weary of the sport. 

A Cake Sale 
P ROB ABLY the description of a cake sale that was held 
^ for the benefit of a library fund may not come amiss 
to show just how attractive and successful such an afTair 
can be made. The principal feature of this sale was the 
cake contest — a game, with cake prizes. This game was 
devised to take the place of raffling, which was voted out 
of date. It was played by groups of ten, who on paying 
a fee were given a printed list of questions to be an- 



112 ZNTZl^TAINJ^LNTS TOU ALL SEASONS 

swered. The list had to be signed with the player's 
name and put in the post-office, by a certain time in the 
evening, and later the name of the prize-winner in each 
group was announced. To promote sociability and fun, 
a lady's and a gentleman's first prize, and a lady's and a 
gentleman's booby were given in each group. The 
prizes were cakes, iced and fancifully decorated with col- 
ored candies, and each cake was put on a wooden plate, 
covered with a frill of crepe paper. The boobies were 
ginger and sugar horsecakes. Below is the list of ques- 
tions and answers used in the contest, which may be 
lengthened or shortened at will : 

Which cake did the society woman buy ? Reception. 
The schoolgirl? Composition. The grocer? Sugar. 
The artist? Exhibition. The farmer? Har\^est. The 
mean man? Sponge. The tramp? Loaf. The min- 
ister? Scripture. The milliner? Feather. The maiden 
aunt[? Tea. The dairyman ? Cream. The champion ? 
Cup. The pretty girls ? Ribbon. The jockey? Horse. 
The shoemaker? The last. The sculptor? Marble. 
The small boys ? Snowballs. The gossip ? Spice. The 
money broker? Silver. The young man for his sweet- 
heart? Angel. The fond mamma for her daughter? 
Wedding. The candidate for office? Election. The 
politician ? Plum. 

Then there were cakes for sale, whole or cut up, and 
small tables were placed at one end of the hall ; here 
cake was served with tea, coffee or chocolate. The cake 
booths were attractively decorated with crepe paper and 
flags. Posters announced the specialties and prices at 
each. Watermelon cakes were the novelty at one booth ; 
apple lemon cakes at another ; a plentiful supply of cook- 
ies, dominoes, horsecakes, gingerbread dolls, and little 
patty pans cakes, containing a prize to attract the patron- 
age of the children, at another. Little china dolls, mar- 
bles, china dogs, cats, vases, etc., were put in the dough 
when the little pans were filled. These china toys were 
not injured by the baking, and delighted the children be- 
yond measure. 



SUGGESTIONS TOU THE CHUKCH SAZAAK 113 

A Pedler's Parade 

A PEDLER'S parade is a strong rival of fair booths, 
-^ and is usually far more successful on account of its 
novelty, and because it permits the vender of salable 
goods to circulate among the audience and seek out pur- 
chasers instead of waiting for purchasers to seek them 
out at the different booths. 

In the parade, which should be given early in the 
evening, there may be pedlers representing all nationali- 
ties, and the wares carried by each should correspond 
with the character assumed. It may be a parade of the 
week, and the one representing Monday be dressed in the 
garb of a washerwoman and carry her stock in a clothes- 
basket, or her stock may represent articles used on wash- 
day, or may even be of fancy articles made from wash- 
day goods or toy representations. The other days of the 
week would be represented in the same manner. 

If it be ''pedler's month, '^ January comes in spotless 
white with imitations of snow crystals on the costume, 
and carries articles appropriate to the month. February 
would naturally be represented by Cupid, but one will 
find by giving the matter a little thought, that many 
other things than valentines are used during this disagree- 
able month. 

Of course, when a large affair is planned, the pedlers 
who represent the same day, or month, or country will 
be gowned alike, but may each sell different articles. 

Sometimes the pedler will mount the stage and 
auction off a portion of his wares, and then another take 
his place, and in a cute bit of poetry call attention to the 
excellent quality of his goods. Another may make a 
speech containing local hits, and the entire evening may 
be filled in, in this manner, or good talent provided for a 
part of the entertainment. This is a very pretty idea for 
a food sale, when all the salespeople should be dressed 
to represent cooks, and carry their goods in baskets, or 
on waiters artistically decorated with flowers or foliage. 

The same idea also makes a novel feature for a pic- 



114 ENrZ'RrAIN^IZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

nic. In this case the garbs should be either particularly 
fantastic or particularly poverty stricken in appearance. 
In either case, no matter how grotesque, or how nearly 
resembling ** Joseph's coat," they must be spotlessly clean, 
else much of the enjoyment of the guests would be 
spoiled, for this is intended as a novel manner of serving 
one's guests at a private picnic. 

99 

A College Fair 

A COLLEGE FAIR may be made a most charming 

■^ affair, for many unique decorations, costumes, etc., 

will naturally suggest themselves to those interested in 

the success of the function. 

Each college should be represented by a single table, 
and the decorations should be appropriate. Thus, while 
the girls at each table may wear a cap and gown, they 
should also wear in some form the colors of the college 
represented. The Harvard table might be decorated 
with Harvard flags and crimson decorations of any kind, 
while the Yale table would appear in front of blue decora- 
tions. 

It is better from an artistic standpoint, and seems to 
be for pecuniary reasons also, that only one class of 
goods should be sold at each table, instead of crowding a 
miscellaneous collection on each. 

At a fair recently given in one of the large cities, the 
tables were divided in the following manner : 

Radcliffe. China. On this table was a large variety 
of articles, ranging from the Japanese butterplate to hand- 
painted punch bowls, the price of which was fifty dollars 
each. Many of the articles were donated by individuals 
or firms, and many of the higher priced articles were sold 
on commission for some person connected with the 
church, for this happened to be a church fair. While this 
idea of selling on commission might not be advisable 
everywhere, it certainly seemed well here, for several 
young working women were enabled to dispose of their 
work, and the goods being of considerable value, the 



SUGGESTIONS TOK THE CHWRCH SAZAAR 11$ 

commissions were large and netted a goodly sum for 
the enterprise. 

Vale. Flowers. This embraced cut flowers, small 
plants, ferns, palms and bulbs collected from various 
sources. Often a florist will make quite a reduction on 
flowers and donate others for the advertising he may de- 
rive from it. Such a stock is usually gathered from pri- 
vate collections, however. 

Bowdoin. Autographs. These were donated by the 
different clergymen and other prominent people in the 
city and obtained by solicitation. 

Smith, Embroidered linens. 

Harvard. Confectionery. 

Wellesley. Calendars and stationery. 

Vassar. Books. 

Cornell. Refreshments. Here supper was served for 
fifty cents during certain hours, and at other times were 
offered for sale tea, coffee, sandwiches, ices, etc. 

Dartmouth. Preserves, pickles and jellies. 

Bryn Mawr. Children's table. This was loaded 
with dolls, toys and a variety of articles dear to the child- 
ish heart. 

Tufts. Cake. 

Princeton. Useful household articles. 



XI 

Children's Entertainments 



Helpful Suggestions 
DEOPLE who have never given a party for a large 
'■' number of children think that all that is necessary^ is 
to furnish the space and something to eat, and the little 
folks will do the rest. The result is that the timid ones 
shrink into a corner, while the forward ones, with a mix- 
ture of natural boisterousness, a desire to show off, and 
a false idea of what is funny, shriek and romp and run 
about until the hostess is on the verge of nervous pros- 
tration. 

Children are excitable little creatures, and since we 
have invited them to come and have a good time, they 
imagine they are pleasing us by getting wildly happy. 
They think it is expected of them. 

But no hostess will ever give this sort of a party more 
than once. She soon realizes that there must be a defi- 
nite scheme of entertainment, something that will take 
in all the little guests at one time, that will keep them in 
order without any apparent restraint, and yet give both 
their minds and their bodies plenty to do. It is the kin- 
dergarten idea of ' ' directed activity ' ' that is the key to 
a successful affair. 

At our last Christmas party (which was a great suc- 
cess because of past sad experiences), we used the 
musical games found in a small book of children's en- 
tertainments. Several of these games were already fa- 
miliar to the children, and all were easily learned, while 
the music is bright and very catchy. 

This party was given for the primary department of a 
Sunday-school, and one hundred and fifty were enter- 



CHILDKEN'S LNTLKTAIN71ENTS 11 7 

tained in the church parlors, but the games would be 
equally suitable for a smaller company in a private place. 

When we had played and sung until we were tired, 
the whole circle of children sat down upon the floor just 
where each had stood, and we had about two dozen vol- 
unteer speeches, from Mother Goose rhymes up to more 
pretentious "school speeches.'^ It was so informally 
done that even the timid ones became eager to show that 
they also *'knew one.'' 

Then a young lady with the rare gift of story-telling 
gave us a wisely chosen Christmas story, which was lis- 
tened to with rapt attention. This let us all have a 
much-needed breathing spell. 

After another round of marching and romping to 
music, came the ''jolliest game of all,'' the ''blind pic- 
tures," as the children call them. 

A good-sized blackboard was brought in and placed 
Upon an easel ; a child was blindfolded and told to draw 
a given object upon it, such as a rat, a bird or a boy. 
His best efforts were comical enough, and he was al- 
lowed to select the next victim. This is very funny, but 
it must not be carried on too long. 

Nearly all kindergarten children are familiar with the 
game called ''magic music," the finding of hidden things 
when guided by the loudness or softness of the music. 
For small children, I would suggest that oranges be the 
hidden treasures ; as they are not difficult to find, each 
child will be equally favored, and they must be carried 
home instead of eaten on the spot. This last item is im- 
portant if one values her carpets. I once heard of a 
hostess who thoughtlessly hid peanuts in every nook and 
corner of her rooms for them to find. She will probably 
not do so again. 

In our children's party the order of the games in the 
little book was not adhered to strictly. To prevent con- 
fusion in getting so many seated at the long, low tables, 
which were ready in an adjoining room, we had the 
stream song last. The lady at the head of the " stream" 
(of children) wound them under the "bridges," among 



118 ZNTZ'RTAINNENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

the *' rocks," '' trees/ ^ '^sunflowers'^ and *' rosebushes," 
and finally through the ** mountain pass" (the doors), 
and between the ''long chains of mountains," repre- 
sented by the tables, until all were in good position for 
the piano to call a halt. 

The unexpected transition was a delight to the chil- 
dren, and they seated themselves in great glee. 

These games, although easy, require a good musician 
at the piano, for there are numerous disconcerting stops 
made necessary by the baby players, and bad music 
spoils it all. Indeed, I cannot emphasize this fact too 
strongly ; the whole spirit of the occasion depends upon 
the pianist. 

There are always some too timid to join in the musi- 
cal games, and for these we must provide some amuse- 
ment on the side. A home-made brownie, with a heavy 
marble inside, which made him turn somersaults down 
an ironing-board, proved to be a whole afternoon's en- 
tertainment to two of our smallest boys, and they are still 
talking about **Humpty Dumpty." 

A monkey that climbs a string, or any of the mechani- 
cal toys now on the market, will answer the purpose ad- 
mirably and be money well spent. 

A good music box adds to the festiveness of the oc- 
casion, and if the day be dark, by all means turn on the 
gas and let there be plenty of color, warmth and light. 

For the benefit of inexperienced hostesses who must 
make the pennies count, let me add a word regarding the 
all-important refreshments. Nothing pleases children uni- 
versally as well as ice cream, and we have found the 
nicest, least expensive, easiest served menu to be ice 
cream, lady fingers and thin sticks of candy. Six gallons 
of cream serve one hundred and fifty generously ; two 
hundred of the little cakes, costing but sixty cents a hun- 
dred at the baker's, are suf^cient ; while there are about 
a hundred of the very thin sticks of candy to the pound 
and its cost is thirty cents. Other things may do as well, 
but there is no waste, no fruit skins, or even crumbs to 
this, and it requires little work. 



CHIL'D'RZN'S ZNTZnTAlNJiZNTS \ \ 9 

To make a happy time for children is an easy matter 
because of their responsiveness, the lack of criticism ; 
because they come expecting to have a good time, and 
prepared to appreciate everything done for them. If the 
hostess but have a definite plan of entertainment, the 
party will be a great success, an occasion long remem- 
bered and talked about by the little people. 

If it is a Sunday-school party, the brightest and pret- 
tiest of their songs can be sung while they stand in the 
circle. This is very pretty and will be of interest to any 
onlookers who may be present. 

If the children are asked to bring their dolls, it will 
furnish a topic of conversation and amusement also, 
especially if some funny ones are brought. The idea of 
giving little people a topic of conversation will not sound 
strange to mothers or teachers, for we know how shy 
most of them are when not well acquainted with one an- 
other, and how necessary it is to get them started to 

talking. 

^^ 

A Children's Fair 

A SCHOOL was in need of a fund for art decoration. 

^^ It was neither a high nor a grammar school, but was 

composed of children from five to fourteen years of age. 

It was decided by the teachers to allow them to hold a 

fair, and to let them do as much of the work as seemed 

advisable. 

The soliciting committee performed their task in a 
commendable manner, and every section of the city in the 
vicinity of the school was thoroughly canvassed. 

It was decided at the outset that it should be a chil- 
dren's fair, in every sense of the word. The work, as 
far as possible, was to be done by the children, and only 
children's articles to be sold. As sewing was one of the 
arts taught in the school, for a long time previous to the 
sale the girls began to work on useful and fancy articles 
to be on sale at the various tables ; and their interest in 
the matter was such that the progress made in sewing 
was remarkable. 



120 ZNTE'RTAINJ^ENIS TOK ALL SEASONS 

The fair was held in the school building. The tables 
were ranged along the corridors and were unique in the 
line of articles displayed. There was an apron table, 
where children's aprons only were sold, these being nearly 
all made by the children during school hours. The hand- 
kerchief table, also, was stocked with children's handker- 
chiefs. At another table children's drawers were sold. 

Then there was a fancy table showing a variety of 
fancy-work ; a candy table, and as cooking was taught in 
the school, a great variety of cake and fancy cookery ap- 
peared, made by the girls at home, or in some instances 
prepared during a previous cooking lesson. At the tables 
where food was sold the girls in attendance were dressed 
in their cooking regalia, this being caps and aprons of 
white muslin. 

The boys, the older of whom attended manual train- 
ing school, offered numerous articles, mostly of wood, 
which had been made during class hours. The boys who 
had this table in charge wore their working overalls. 

There were two grab-bags, and these received liberal 
patronage, for they were unique and attractive, being a 
boy and a girl dressed to represent Darby and Joan, each 
carrying an old-fashioned carpet-bag well stuffed with 
articles to please child -grabbers. 

Lemonade was served by little lassies dressed in 
white, from an *'old oaken bucket" attached to a minia- 
ture well-sweep. 

The building was thronged during the day of the sale, 
w^hich occurred on Saturday, from nine o'clock in the 
morning until six o'clock at night ; and the satisfactory, 
but altogether unexpected, sum of $200 was the result of 

the venture. 

^^ 

A Pleasing '' Frolic " 
^' TINGLE bells " is a frolic which pleases the little 
J ones. Let mamma or the hostess harness up the 
children for a *'team." They have a string of small 
bells around their necks, and a cambric or tarlatan rope 
is used for the *' tackle " — the children taking hold of it 



CHIL'D'REN'S ZNTE'RTAINJiENTS 121 

by twos, except the last in the line, who acts as '^ driver.'* 
The pianist plays the well-known college glee, "jingle 
bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way," and the children 
trot away at a merry pace. The leaders hurry on, mak- 
ing devious turns to right and left, supposedly through 
snow-drifts and over high hills and down in deep valleys. 
The children sing the chorus, and the trip proves so de- 
lightful that they are never ready to stop until a very long 

journey has been made. 

^^ 

A Soap Bubble Party 
DLOWING soap bubbles is a pleasant pastime for chil- 
^ dren. A great improvement over the ordinary soap 
and water bubbles is obtained by the addition of sugar 
and glycerine to the soap-suds. These ingredients give 
size, beauty and durability to the bubbles. Prepare the 
solution thus : 

Fill a quart bottle nearly full of boiling soft water and 
add two and a half ounces of finely shaven castile soap ; 
shake the bottle until the soap dissolves, then add a tea- 
spoonful of sugar and four tablespoonfuls of glycerine ; 
shake this thoroughly and strain through a fine cloth, and 
the solution is ready for use. Use clean clay pipes for 

blowing the bubbles. 

^^ 

A Mother Goose Carnival 
T ITTLE folks are always delighted at the prospect of a 
^ costume party, and nothing affords more genuine en- 
joyment than an afternoon where Mother Goose holds 
court. A children's party, and especially one of this 
nature, should be held out-of-doors, if the weather is 
favorable. If not, a hall or church parlor will be needed, 
unless the house is very large. 

At a gathering of this nature Mother Goose was a 
plump little creature with a tall hat like a church steeple, 
with which she is said to have scraped the sky. When 
the grand march took place it was found that no one had 
been forgotten. Old Mother Hubbard, who looked most 
disheartened after finding the cupboard bare ; Jack and 



122 ZNTZnTAlNJiENTS TOTi ALL SEASONS 

Jill, with their pail of water, happy and care-free ; Little 
Bo Peep, wandering along, crook in hand, in search of 
her lost sheep; Little Red Riding Hood, basket in 
hand ; King Cole, a jolly old soul ; Cross Patch, Little 
Jacky Horner, Little Tommy Tucker, Jack Spratt and 
his wife, who were still cleaning up the platter of meat ; 
the Queen of the Parlor and the Maids of the Garden, 
the man who jumped into the bramble bush, and a 
score of others were there, besides numerous Brownies, 
in their quaint costumes, all helping to make the occa- 
sion a momentous one. The beauty of it all was that 
each child entered into the spirit of the part he took. 

Of course there were older ones present, who were 
needed in various places to make the carnival a success. 
It was by no means an elaborate, expensive function, as 
is too often given, but an old-fashioned party, where 
every child who was present felt that he had a part. 

The supper was a bountiful one, but entirely suitable 
for children and served at an early hour. The menu is 
given below : 

Cream of Celery Soup. Croutons. 

Chicken Sandwiches. 

Plain Bread and Butter. Salad Eggs. Jelly. 

Chocolate with Whipped Cream. 

Ice Cream. Angels' Food. 

Drop Cookies. 

The favors consisted of funny little caps, garlands of 
flowers, reins ornamented with bells, which jingled mer- 
rily, and other inexpensive trifles so dear to children's 
hearts. 

:^^ 

A Potato Doll Contest 
A POTATO doll contest proved very enjoyable at an 
-^ afternoon social gathering. After the arrival of the 
guests each one was presented with a long, smooth po- 
tato, some small wooden sticks to be used for arms and 
legs, two Japanese napkins with fancy borders, and an 
abundance of pins. 

One napkin formed the dress-skirt and the other a 
wrap and a little cap. 



CHILDnZN'S ZNTZmAIN^lENTS 123 

Some of these improvised dolls were decidedly cute 
' and displayed much cleverness in their manufacture. 

^^ 
A Jolly Popcorn Party 
A POPCORN party will be welcomed by the children. 
-^ They will wish for no better entertainment than 
watching the hard little yellow and red kernels pop out 
into big snowy white flakes, nor for better fun than 
sugaring and salting, coloring and making the '*pops" 
into balls. The scene of these festivities is, of course, 
the kitchen, which may be gayly decorated with colored 
tissue paper in honor of the party. Put all the materials, 
pans and other utensils on the kitchen table before the 
arrival of the company, and have ready a clear, steady 
fire, without flames. When all the little guests have 
come and aprons are donned, shelling the corn marks 
the beginning of the popcorn party. Each child, in turn, 
is allowed to pop a small dipperful of corn. As it pops 
it is poured in a deep bowl set over a kettle of water to 
keep hot. When the corn is all popped, divide into two 
parts, sprinkling one portion with cochineal coloring for 
pink ' ' pops. ^ ' Before the serious work begins, give the 
children large needles and coarse white thread, so the 
little girls may make beautiful necklace and the boys a 
watch chain. Thus adorned, the young confectioners 
start in on their labors. 

A good recipe for sugar popcorn is as follows : Put 
one tablespoonful of butter, three tablespoonfuls of water, 
one teacupful of pulverized sugar in a saucepan. Let it 
boil till ready to candy, then throw in three quarts of 
popped corn. Stir quickly and each grain will crystal- 
ize. • Or the sugar and water may be divided and cooked 
in two saucepans, putting a few drops of cochineal color- 
ing in one for pink sugared com. 

To make molasses corn balls : Make soft boiled mo- 
lasses candy, pour in a bowl over popped corn. While 
warm, stir till the com and candy adhere, then take up 
by large spoonfuls and form into balls. Put in a cool 
place to harden. 



124 ZNTZnTAIN^IZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

Other balls are made as follows : One ounce of gum 
arable dissolved in one half a pint of water, then add one 
pound of confectioner's sugar and boil (stirring all the 
time) till a little cooled in a saucer is so stiff it can 
hardly be stirred. Flavor and pour over the popped 
corn. Make into balls and set away to harden. 

When the corn is all done the children are tidied up 
and then set to making cornucopias and bags of tissue 
paper to put their share of the popcorn in to take home 
as souvenirs. This occupation will divert their minds 
till tea is served — this party usually takes place in the 
afternoon. On the table the pink and white corn balls 
occupy the position of honor. 

A good tea menu is : 

Cocoa in Cups with Whipped Cream, a bit of red jelly on top. 

Minced Chicken and Tongue Sandwiches. 

Rose Pudding. Popcorn. 

The rose pudding is always an attractive dish to the 
children. It is made by boiling a pint of cream and a 
pint of milk, a bit of lemon rind and sugar enough to 
sweeten. Color a pretty rose pink and thicken with corn- 
starch and flavor with vanilla. Line a glass dish with 
lady fingers and other small cakes and pour in the cream 
when cool. Ornament the top with kisses. 

An Orange Party 

nrO mothers who have established the pretty custom of 
^ celebrating in some distinctive manner each recurring 
birthday in the home circle, the question, how to avoid 
sameness, becomes often a very puzzling one. Espe- 
cially is this true as to the arrangement and decoration of 
the table and the character of the refreshments, because 
these are always prominent features at a home entertain- 
ment. To such mothers a description of an orange party 
which was given to mark the twelfth mile-stone in a 
young girl's life may contain a helpful suggestion. 

To emphasize the color scheme, the young hostess 
wore a becoming empire gown of orange-colored silk, 
and on her left shoulder was fastened a large rosette of 



CHIL'D'REN'S ENJEniAINNZNTS 125 

orange-colored chiffon. Each guest, upon arriving, was 
presented with a similar rosette to wear as a compliment 
to the occasion. 

The dining-room was decorated with potted plants. 
Although it was an afternoon party, the blinds were drawn 
and the room lighted artificially. The electric lights were 
muffled in orange-colored cheese cloth, and produced a 
very charming effect. 

Over the center of the table was spread a large square 
of orange satin overlaid with a Battenberg lunch cloth. 
On this stood the birthday cake, which had been baked 
in a fluted mold, then covered thickly with yellow icing, 
and was a very clever imitation of the luscious fruit it was 
intended to represent. The cake was surrounded by 
twelve small brass candlesticks, in which burned orange- 
colored tapers. At each end of the table was a smaller 
Battenberg square over satin. On each of these, resting 
in a bed of green leaves, was an orange of abnormal size, 
fashioned of papier-mache, made in two sections, though 
so exactly united that the orange seemed intact. In these 
were the favors — small yellow bon-bon boxes filled with 
orange conserves and tied with baby ribbon. Small glass 
dishes, standing on yellow tissue paper doilies that were 
fringed on the edges, and filled with orange puffs, orange 
kisses and other home-made sweets, were placed here 
and there on the table and gave it a very festive air. 

The refreshments proper consisted of : 

Frozen Custard in Orange Cups. 

Orange Jelly. Whipped Cream. 

Small Cakes. Orange Icing. 

Orangeade. 

The birthday caRe was cut by the hostess, and each 
maiden served to a slice. In the cake had been baked 
an orange seed. She who was so fortunate as to find 
this seed in her slice was presented with an orange spoon 
on which was graven the hostess's monogram, the date 
and year. 

Before leaving the table each guest was shown a small 
glass filled with orange seeds, and was allowed one guess 



126 ENTZnTAINJ^ZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

as to the number it contained. The lucky guesser re- 
ceived a. papter-7?iac/ie ]ewe\ box fashioned to represent an 
orange. The ''booby" prize was the tiniest orange to 
be found in the market. 

The guests, led by the hostess, then adjourned to the 
parlor, and the remainder of- the evening was devoted to 
games and charades. 

An entertainment of this kind may be varied to suit 
the season or the month of the year. For example, in 
June it might be a cherry or a strawberry party. The 
dining-room for June should be decorated with roses, 
daisies and clover. The tables, where the hostess has 
piazza space, could be set on the piazza, or lacking room 
there, on the lawn under the trees. Colored lanterns, if 
the party took place in the evening, would add greatly to 
the effectiveness of the affair. 

Instead of frozen custard, strawberry ice-cream, straw- 
berry shortcakes, small cakes with strawberry icing would 
'carry out the special fruit idea. A ring in the birthday 
cake could take the place of the suggested orange seed, 
which is always an element of danger, even in its own 
pulpy setting. Singing, dancing and games suited to the 
season, also mode and color of dress, will suggest them- 
selves to those desiring thus to celebrate a family birthday. 

^^ 
A Doll Show 

nPHE younger people had asked from time to time that 
^ they might give an entertainment, and although differ- 
ent plans were suggested, none seemed to meet with 
their approval. Finally, the idea of a *'doll show'* 
offered itself, and was heartily received by the children. 

When the word was given that on a certain evening 
there would be an exhibition of dolls, as would be natu- 
rally supposed, the girls' favorite pastime was immediately 
thought of. Quite to the contrary, the children were the 
dolls. The choosing of their costumes afforded them 
much pleasure, as they were interested to have them cor- 
respond as nearly as possible with the dolls they were to 
represent. 



CHIL'D'RZN'S ZNTZ'RTAINMZNTS 127 

While the children were thus busying themselves, 
their older friends were engaged in making bags of white 
cheesecloth to be used as masks. These were shaped to 
the head, and upon them were faces painted in oils. 
They were kept in place by a collar or handkerchief 
about the neck. 

Twelve dolls made up the company. Among these 
was a city doll dressed in a black silk of a few years past 
and wearing a fancy hat, the family rag doll, which had 
been so roughly used that its head lopped from side to 
side, a sailor boy doll, two colored dolls (one a boy, the 
other a girl), the girl representing a nurse, and a French 
doll. She was stylishly dressed in a blue silk, having as 
hair unraveled hemp rope. While the other dolls wore 
on their hands white mittens (with the exception of the 
colored dolls), or even white stockings sewed into shape, 
this doll wore gloves. 

As a march was played, the dolls, with their arms stiff 
at the side and with hands straight and rigid, marched in. 
The knees were kept as free from bending as possible, 
and the awkward manner of walking added to the enjoy- 
ment. All the comers in the march were turned squarely, 
and when at last the dolls tried to step up a few stairs 
onto the stage, much merriment was made. One or two 
familiar college songs were given at first, and in the sing- 
ing a thin, nasal tone was used, making it, if possible, 
seem somewhat reedy. After the French doll was wound 
with a watchman's rattle she tripped across the stage 
several times, saying *'papa'' and *' mamma." The 
chorus of dolls again sang ; then the French doll recited 
*' Mary Had a Little Lamb," and, as a closing exhibi- 
tion, she went through a few simple gymnastics in a very 
stiff and mechanical way. 

A May Party Luncheon 
TJAVE a circular piece of real green moss as large as 
^^ desired, not smaller than three-quarters of a yard, in 
center of the table for the green, on which erect a rod 
one yard or more in height, covered with many colored 



128 ENTZJ^TAWJ^ZNTS FOn ALL SEASONS 

ribbons, for the May-pole. Have as many ribbons as 
preferred, all meeting at top of rod in a rosette, and long 
enough to extend to each plate ; while tiny dolls, dressed 
in white, hold the ends of the ribbons in one hand, and 
tiny place cards, with name and picture, also one line of 
Mother Goose, in the other hand, over each plate. Scat- 
ter tiny dolls over the green, some standing, some in 
tiny chairs or lawn settees. Little jointed dolls may be 
found at almost any store. The dolls may be dressed as 
boys and girls, if one chooses, and with the ribbon lead- 
ers may be given as favors to each child. 

MENU 

Cold Chicken. 

Bread and Butter Sandwiches. 

Cold Tongue Sliced Thin. 

Lady Fingers. Fancy Crackers. 

Vanilla Ice Cream. 

Light, Digestible Fruits. 

Kisses. Macaroons. 

Crystallized Pop-Corn, Pink and White. 

Cocoa or Lemonade. 

^^ 
Tom Thumb and His Wife 
"COR a children's party try the following device : Place 
^ four chairs in one end of the room and throw over 
them a large blanket or shawl to cover them completely 
down to the floor. Have some one double up his hands 
into fists, and on the back of the hands, with a piece of 
charcoal, paint eyes, nose and mouth, and on one of them 
paint a moustache. Put dolls' dresses on the arms, 
reaching down to the elbows. Put hoods or caps on the 
hands. Let the person thus prepared crawl in between 
the chairs, and resting the elbows on the floor, hold his 
forearm perpendicular, so that the backs of the hands 
will be facing the audience. All the rest of the person's 
body should be concealed, of course, under the shawl. 
Call these two little people Tom Thumb and his wife. 
Have some one for their manager, who should stand in 
front of the chairs and tell them what to do. The man- 
ager should explain why Tom has a dress on. He can 



CHILDnZN'S ENTE-RTAINMZNTS 129 

have them perform a number of clever tricks, such as 

bowing to the audience, kissing each other, pushing each 

other, etc. They can answer questions in a Httle, fine 

voice, or say ''How do you do?" 

If will be found that this entertainment will please the 

little folks immensely. 

^^ 

A Japanese Fete 

TO the children nothing is so delightful as a party that 
combines both dancing and ' * dressing up. ' * A charm- 
ing little entertainment of this kind — one that may be 
given with very little trouble and expense — is a ''Japanese 
Fete," the decorations and costumes being simple and 
easily prepared. 

The invitations should have a distinctly Japanese 
character. The quaint little round wooden ians that sell 
for a few cents apiece are admirably suited for this pur- 
pose. Write the invitations on the undecorated sides of 
the fans, or on plain white cards, and tie to the fan han- 
dles with ribbons. All the bric-a-brac and the unneces- 
sary pieces of furniture being removed, the mantel, win- 
dow and door frames, walls and balustrades are deco- 
rated, taking care to use only colors that look bright by 
gaslight. 

A very festive appearance is 'given to the hall and 
apartments by the skillful use of evergreens, gay fans, 
umbrellas and scarlet kites. A few Japanese flags, which 
may be made by sewing huge scarlet disks on white cot- 
ton strips, will add greatly to the decorations. Large 
yellow and scarlet lanterns are put over the globes for 
shades. The table in the dining-room is spread with a 
white cloth, and Japanese mats and napkins are used. A 
pretty centerpiece is made by fastening the dp of a small 
parasol firmly in a block of wood, the parasol spreading 
out flat like a mat. Gay fans are then tied to the handle 
of the parasol with a bow of ribbon to form a cornucopia, 
and filled with branches of red and white paper cherry 
blossoms. These blossoms are also scattered over the 
mat. Japanese napkins line the dishes holding the sand- 



130 ZNTZ-RTAINMLNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

wiches, cakes and bon-bons. A good menu for the sup- 
per is as follows : 

Hot Hashed Chicken and Celery on Squares of Toast. 

Tongue and Sweet Sandwiches. 

Vanilla Ice-Creamand Preserved Ginger or Japanese Oranges. 

Small Cakes. Bon-Bons. 

Fruit Juice Punch. 

The dance programmes are lantern-shaped. The out- 
side covers are of colored paper, with the date lettered in 
gold paint. During one of the dances, favors should be 
distributed. Japanese dolls, little tea-pots of chocolates, 
paper butterflies and fans for the hair, will delight the 
children. 

A charming Japanese costume is ^' Madame Chrysan- 
themum.'' The kimono of cotton crepe must be pat- 
terned with birds and chrysanthemums, the broad sash of 
solid color decorated with quaint designs in gold paint. 
The hair is combed over rolls and stuck full of tiny fans, 
while a huge chrysanthemum droops at each side of the 
face. ^^ Madame Chrysanthemum " holds a gay-flowered 
umbrella over her head, except when dancing, and car- 
ries an open and shut fan. 

The Japanese doll is a good costume for a boy. The 
simple little one-piece cotton gown is belted in with a 
gold band. A flesh-colored skull cap, to which is sewed 
the fringe of black hair, entirely conceals the real hair. 
This is the most essential part of the costume. A tag 
with the price-mark, '^ Only 49 cents," should be fastened 
conspicuously on the doll's gown. A study of Japanese 
pictures will show many distinguishing features of dress, 
indicating different castes and occupations, which will 
give additional variety of costume and characters for the 
**Fete.*' 



XII 

KDsceflaneotis Dinners and Parties 



Novel Table Souvenirs 

THE woman who would be a popular hostess, appreci- 
ates the art of linking congenial spirits at her festal 
board. Delicious harmony and genuine enjoyment is the 
result. Dame Woman' s-rights does not sip her con- 
somme beside Matron Happyhome • Signor Tenor and 




Fig. 1 



Donna Highsea attune melodious thoughts with the 
clinking of their glasses ; Madame Dressreform and Ma- 
demoiselle Fashionplate find themselves at extreme ends 
of the board; Sir Goldbags is intensely interested 
in the plans of Lady Philanthropy ; and Ralph Romantic 
and Sadie Sentiment, in blissful concord, all unconscious, 
afford a prolific theme for Mr. Poet and Mrs. Novelist, 
who are opposite. 

But ere the sparkling nectar of the gods has had time 
to loosen tongues, polish conversational abilities, and in- 
spire a merry cadenza of bon mots, there comes a trying 
moment of suspense — the dread of every hostess ! At 
this juncture, some surprise in the way of souvenirs is a 
charming prelude — and the Rubicon is safely crossed. 



132 



ZNTZ'RTAINJiENTS TOn ALL SEASONS 



Attractive menu cards are easily designed ; the fold- 
ing of napkins in fanciful form is a fetching idea ; a dainty 
arrangement of floral trophies is a happy thought, but 
altogether unique is an assortment of caricatures fash- 




Fig. 2 



ioned from small fruits and nuts. Like magic, these 
novel creations set in loquacious play the fountains of 
mirth and words. 

Oranges, lemons, dried fruits, cloves, turnips, rad- 
ishes, lettuce, celery and parsley leaves, fishbones and 
Japanese wooden toothpicks are shaped into ingenious 
form with surprising effect. To be sure, the fruit and all 
things used are first well washed in cold water. 

A huge spider (Fig. i) is born of a large French 
prune, a large raisin, a couple of toothpicks, eight great 
fishbones and a bit of twine. At one-third the distance 

of the length of the prune firmly 
tie a yellow string, thus di- 
viding the body into its seg- 
ments. On the under side, 
Tj^j^ ^^s^s=-jpsw underneath the string, tie 

^^J^ ^_ \j eight bones, four on each side, 

^^^"'^^ in excellent imitation of his 

^^* ^ walking members. A raisin 

rolled into rounded form is pinned to the body for a head, 
from which protrude two horn-like appendages, which 
may be recognized as the pointed ends of tooth-picks. 
By gently shifting the plate on which his spidership rests, 
he will actually assume a mysterious locomotion across 
his porcelain domain. 






NISCZLLANZOUS DINNZKS AND PAKTIZS 1 33 

A nameless insect (Fig. 2) is constructed on the same 
plan. The body is a prune, the 
head a raisin, the tiny tusks are 
toothpicks, the feet six small 
fish bones pushed into the sides 
of the prune. Any long fruit 
stem serves as a tail. Wings ^^^* "^ 

and ears are cut from the outer skin of a red onion, and 
held in position by means of little pins. This startling 
fly, suggestive of the antediluvial period, also adopts a 
peculiar flight over the smooth surface of a plate. 

A shelled almond is the foundation for that cheery 
hearthside musician, the cricket (Fig. 3). With a sharp 
penknife cut off narrow strips of the skin to indicate 
wings and breast. Six tooth-picks are bent 
into correct angles and pushed into the sides 
of the almond body. A black currant is 
pinned on for the head, with black-headed 

Fig. 5 p-^g which serve as eyes. Two fine straws, 
or what is better, horse hairs, represent the little crea- 
ture's antennae. 

Pin a generous raisin, drawn to a point for the mouth, 
to a light-colored radish with long, slim tail. Push two 
raisin seeds into the head for eyes, and pin above them 
two little ears cut from almond skin. Prop the appari- 
tion on the blunt ends of four tooth-picks, and presto ! 
you have a harmless mouse (Fig. 4). 

A great, luscious raisin with head, tail and feet of 
cloves pushed in at the proper points, makes a very good 
turtle of the liliputian variety. 

Still another use for the raisin is to mold it with the 
fingers into the shape of a swine's head (Fig. 5). The 
stem end of the raisin is drawn out in the form of a 
snout. With a penknife slash a cut for the mouth. 
Scald another raisin and slip off its skin. This is cut 
into two large ears which are pinned in place. Two 
raisin seeds are pushed in for the squinting eyes. 

A lemon is the basis for a comical miniature pig. 
Select a lemon having a prominent and rounded base ; 



134 



ZNTL'RTAINJ^ENTS TOU ALL SEASONS 



this forms the snout. Slash the mouth, push in a couple 
of cloves for eyes, pin on ears cut from the skin of an 
almond, twist another bit of almond skin into a curly tail, 
support on the blunt ends of four tooth-picks, and his 
pigship stands before you. 

Of a more dainty order is an orange basket filled with 
vegetable posies (Fig. 6). Cut a nice smooth orange or 
a lemon into the shape of a basket having a four-armed 
handle. With a penknife cut the rind into such form and 
then very carefully spoon out the contents of the fruit 




Fig. 6 



Now for the nosegay. Get a bunch of radishes, red, 
brown, white, small and large. Remove the green tops ; 
slash some radishes at the upper end, others at the base. 
Cut some into four petals, others into six ; each left 
thick and single, or sliced into numerous petals. All are 
mounted on tooth-pick stems, which are stuck into the 
inner rind of the golden basket. The rather ungainly 
stems are concealed by a delicate garniture of parsley. 

Jolly ''orange brothers" and "lemon twins" (Fig. 7) 
are made from those fruits suggestively decorated with 
shelled almonds, celery and lettuce leaves, cloves and 
apple seeds. The eye sockets are cut in the rind with a 



mSCELLANZOUS DINNZnS AND PARTIES 



135 



sharp penknife. Be careful not to penetrate beyond the 
depth of the rind, otherwise the juice oozes out In 
proper position insert a couple of cloves to simulate the 
pupils of the eyes. Through the openings for the mouth 
push a shelled almond lengthwise. This is to represent 




Fig. 7 



the tongue ; also push in two almonds to suggest ears. 
A coiffure of green leaves crowns these funny fellows. 

For lemon heads, the accentuated point answers for 
the nose, and apple seeds mark the nostrils. The orange 
face may be pug-nosed, with only the apple seeds to in- 
dicate nostrils, or the other extreme by pinning on a 
large red radish to supply this useful member. The facial 
expression is either made merry or cross by the upward 
or downward slashes for eyes and mouth ; the former of 
course resulting in a laughing, the latter in a frowning 

face. 

^^ 

A Progressive Dinner 
'THE latest fad among dinner-givers in a small town is 
-*- the progressive dinner ; not that at which the partners 
change, but where each course is eaten at a different 
house. The hostesses must arrange the menu together 
that the several courses may not conflict, and in order to 
get an appropriate idea of the length of time it will be 
necessary to allow for each one. The guests meet at the 
home of the first hostess, who serves raw oysters, or any 
other dish appropriate for a first course. When these are 



136 ZNTZ'RTAINJ^ENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

eaten, wraps are put on, and all proceed to the next 
house, where soup will be in readiness for the party. 
And so on throughout the dinner. 

The hostesses may agree upon one general scheme of 
color and decorations for all the tables, or each may select 
her own, having something in harmony with the various 
courses. Oysters are suggestive of pearls, so it might be 
well to have the decorations for the first course in white. 
Blue for the soup, and sea-green for the fish. The 
heaviest color, red, should be for the meat course, which 
may be beef, to correspond with the decorations. The 
salad will be yellow, to match the mayonnaise ; while the 
dessert will have the most delicate color, pink. Violet 
may be used for the coffee and bon-bons. 

The place cards may be of cardboard in the different 
colors, having upon them a little pen-and-ink sketch of 
the various courses which they represent, or a quotation 
suggestive of each, such as : 

"An oyster may be crossed in love.*' 

*' Beautiful soup, so rich and green, 
Waiting in a hot tureen!" 

" I marvel how the fishes live in the sea." 

" Oh ! the roast beef of Old England." 

" My salad days 
When I was green in judgment." 

"A feast of nectar'd sweets." 

" Coffee that makes the politicians wise." 

An Up-to-Date Affair 
'THERE may be nothing new under the sun, but if we 
^ wish to entertain our friends either before or after the 
sun goes down, it may be done pleasantly by combining 
various old ideas and making from them some new form 
of entertainment. As success depends upon novelty and 
timeliness, suppose you make the next social hour an up- 
to-date affair ? 

The very latest is a '^Date Party," invitations, amuse- 
ments, and refreshments for the guests, all in some way 



MISCLLLANZOUS 'DINN'L'KS AND PAKTILS 137 

carrying out the central idea. The invitations must be 
written on the latest fad in note paper, the more bizarre 
the better, and may read somewhat as either of the fol- 
lowing, although the words ''date" and ''affair" have 
so many counterparts in the ending syllable, that the 
merest child can invent a fitting rhyme : 

Know, maiden fair, that 'tis thy fate, 
To meet with friends who're up-to-date. 
On June the 7th, half-past eight, 
At Mrs. Smith's we'll congregate. 

Kind friend, I pray perambulate 
On Wednesday eve, the hour eight; 
Come by thyself or with a mate. 
And spend an evening up-to-date. 

Upon the arrival of each guest, he or she will select 
one of a pile of dates tied with ribbon, and upon entering 
the drawing-room will find the proper partner who has 
the corresponding ribbon. 

The principal entertainment will consist of a contest 
similar to the old-fashioned spelling match, all standing 
in a row, going up or down according to the success with 
which each question is answered. The questions may be 
topics of the day, current event happenings, or historical 
dates that are supposed to be familiar to everybody ; as, 
for instance, the date of Centennial year, the Battle of 
Lexington, Lincoln's Birthday and Arbor Day. The 
answers must be prompt, and much amusement will be 
afforded by the nervous contestants who become mixed 
up on the most well-known subject. Suitable prizes 
would be a calendar for the winner of the first prize, and 
a memorandum book for the winner of the booby prize, 
as a gentle hint that the memory needs refurbishing. 

The refreshments could consist of date muffins, made 
like the ordinary muffin with the addition of pitted dates ; 
date jelly, a lemon jelly in which dates are spread in 
layers ; stuffed dates, being dates stuffed with peanuts or 
walnuts ; and date pasties, made from squares of rich pie 
crust spread with peanut butter and a layer of dates, then 
put together Uke a sandwich and baked. 



138 ENTE-RTAINJ^ENTS TOn ALL SEASONS 

The proceeding suggestions are merely a taste of the 
good times and the goodies which may be evolved by a 
fertile brain who wishes to be known as the giver of the 
most up-to-date affair of the season. 

A Shore Dinner 

COMETH ING novel in the way of entertainments is 
^ always being sought. To those desiring something 
unique, yet suitable for a church or village party, a shore 
dinner is recommended. 

Those who have during the summer season partaken 
of a fish dinner or clam-bake at any of the resorts on the 
New England coast would know better how to adapt 
such a dinner to the conveniences of a hall, and how to 
prepare it with the edibles to be obtained in inland towns 
and cities, than I can describe. Such a spread might be 
served as a table d'hote dinner or a la carte. I give 
below a full list of the regular dinner served during the 
past season at a popular beach resort : 

Clam Chowder. Fish Chowder. 

Iced Cucumbers. 

Steamed Clams. 

Queen Olives. 

Broiled Rock Scrod. Broiled Bluefish. 

Dressed Lettuce. 

Potato Chips. 

Fried Clams in Batter. Deep Sea Perch. 

Radishes. 

Fried Lobster. 

Sliced Tomatoes. 

Worcestershire Sauce. Halford Sauce. 

French Mustard. Tomato Catsup. 

French Rolls. Hot Biscuit. Cold Wheat Bread. 

Watermelon in Season. 

Vanilla Ice Cream. 

Strawberries. Harlequin. 

Assorted Cake. 

Fruit. 

Bananas. Raisins. 

Tea. Coffee. 

Although at some shore houses fine linen table-cloths 
and napkins are supplied, they are the exception and not 



J^ISCLLLANEOUS Din^HE'RS AND PAKTIES 1 39 

the rule; so, in preparing the tables, lay them in the 
customary beach fashion. Cover the tables with white 
oil-cloth and use ordinary quality of Japanese napkins. 
Let the decorations of the supper room consist chiefly of 
these same napkins. Place Japanese fans about the room. 

The chowder is brought to the table in the dish from 
which it is to be eaten, and this may be either a bowl or 
a soup plate. With the chowder serve pickles or cucum- 
bers and pilot bread. 

Clams may be procured almost anywhere now, quite 
fresh, thanks to refrigerator cars. Clams may be steamed 
in a wash-boiler or any large utensil which can be closely 
covered. Put a little water in the bottom of the kettle, 
and when it boils put in the clams and cover closely. 
Cook until the shells open. This will require less than 
half an hour. Serve about a quart of these for each 
person, placing them in an oval dish if convenient. 
Send to the table with them a soup plate for the shells, 
a little melted butter in a sauce-dish and a glass of the 
clam water ; that is, the water in which they were boiled. 
The clams must be thoroughly washed before cooking to 
remove all traces of sand. 

Lobsters and clams are fried in boiling fat and served 
very hot. For the chips, potatoes are sliced very thin 
with a small hand-slicer, and also fried in boiling fat, or 
they may be purchased already for the table. As they 
are not expensive, this would seem the better way to 
most people. 

Such a dinner as described might also be served to a 
party of guests by a hostess seeking something novel. 
In this case the color of the decorations should he sea- 
green and the menu cards decorated with sprays of 
pressed sea-weed or painted with shells or small marines. 

For a Party Entertainment 
POR an informal dinner party or evening encertainment, 
^ where the guests are few and talented, great pleasure 
is derived from letting each one do some part of the 
entertaining. 



140 ZNTZ'RTAINNENTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

Write the following verses on cards and pass with the 
plates for refreshments, and have each one read aloud 
previous to the performance : 

1 Though puzzles do our minds distress, 
We'd like two good ones now to guess. 

2 We'd like to hear you tell to-day, 
Some funny things that children say. 

3 Describe some woman in the town. 
Her nose and hair, her dress and gown; 
But do not give us her address, 

Nor tell her name, and we will guess. 

4 We'd like a story full of fun ; 
You're gifted, Lyman, tell us one. 

5 Misery likes company, they say; 
We'd like to hear you tell to-day 
(Don't hesitate, but now begin) 

Of the worst scrape you were ever in. 

6 Your talent gives us much delight ; 
We wish that you would please recite. 

7 Your part in this programme to help us along, 
Will give us much pleasure ; please sing us a song. 

8 If music hath charms, we wish that to-day 

You'd prove it, and something quite charming would play. 

9 Tell some joke on yourself, your wife, or your friend. 
But we hope that you'll have it pleasantly end. 

10 Describe some trip you've taken far, 
To Mexico, Europe, or Zanzibar. 

11 Give a tale of old time when settlers were few, 
Of what they had then and what they did do, 

12 Describe some famous picture 

Whether dark or fair. 
Please tell us all about it, 
And^the artist rare. 

13 Without a bit of gossip sweet, 

This programe would not be complete. 
Be sure that while the seasons roll. 
This crowd will never tell a soul, 



mSCZLLANLOUS DmKEKS AT^D FAKTIES l4l 

An Art Museum 

A UNIQUE entertainment was an Art Museum. Ar- 

-^ riving at the house, the guests were surprised to find 

large, staring cards, placed conspicuously over the doors 

of the three art rooms. 

Over the library door was inscribed : '' Curio Hall "; 
over the sitting-room, " Statuary," while the parlors were 
used for the art gallery. 

In the statuary room were many amusing features, not 
the least of which was a piece of molasses candy, which 
represented the '^Maid of Orleans." 

A box of salve on a rolling-pin was *^ Savonarola." 
In the Curio Hall, a Bible lay open on a table, with a 
key upon it. This was intended for *'St. Peter's Key." 

Various articles were arranged upon colored tissue- 
paper mats laid on small tables in the art gallery, repre- 
senting famous paintings. 

^^ 

A Musical Luncheon 
A MUSICAL LUNCHEON given to a dozen friends 
-^ is worthy of description. The circular table in the 
center of the room presented a striking and harmonious 
effect. A large, round centerpiece of Mexican drawn- 
work occupied the center space. Resting on this was a 
low bowl filled with asters and golden-rod. Around the 
edge of the centerpiece was a wreath of the same royal 
blossoms. At each place was a plate doily surrounded 
with a wreath of the same blossoms. The menu cards 
were in the form of miniature guitars cut from card- 
board. 

The souvenirs at each cover consisted of book-marks 
of broad yellow satin ribbon, fringed, with a card attached 
bearing a musical quotation. The quotations are given 
below. 

" Music is the most spiritual, the most impressive, and 
the most universal of all arts." 

" Music has its origin in the sweetest emotions of the 
human heart." 



142 ZNTZnTAINJ^ZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

" In music, the soul must nearly attain the great end for 
which it struggles — supernal beauty.'* 

** Music, like paintings and statuary, refines and elevates 
and sanctifies." 

" Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once." 

^^ There is no truer truth obtainable 
By man than comes of music." 

" Nature stands, 
With all the music in her tone." 

" Delicious music, sung 
By saint and angel bands." 

*^ The man that hath no music in himself. 

Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, 
Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils." 

" Music, the greatest good that mortals know, 
And all of heaven we have below." 

" Like to a mighty heart the music seemed, 
That yearns with melodies it cannot speak." 

" For the sweetest music in my heart 
Was the olden songs of home." 

The dining-room was profusely decorated with asters 
and golden-rod and ferns, the mantel and grate being 
banked with them. The bonbons, ices and jellies har- 
monized perfectly with the color scheme, being every- 
where present. 

^^ 

Another Musical Luncheon 

THE musical luncheon, which meets with social favor in 
the last weeks of gayety preceding the Lenten season, 
will have an added popularity for spring and early sum- 
mer entertaining. The flowers of the season lend them- 
selves so admirably to the deft fingers of a tasteful host- 
ess, and can be simulated so cleverly by those same serv- 
ants of magic, that the busiest and most limited of home- 
makers is tempted to entertain. 

Tulips are exceedingly effective in decoration, and 
bon-bon boxes made in their likeness add much to the 
general flower scheme. These are made as follows : 



7fISCELLA?{LOUS VmT^LKS AK'D PAKTltS 143 

Cut two circular disks each an inch and a half in 
diameter out of thin white card-board. For the petals, 
which should be twelve in number, use the color in crepe 
paper that will correspond with the other decorations. 
Two inches is a good width at the top, which is rounded; 
and the bottom of the petal is quite obtuse. Through 
the center of each petal, lengthwise, is laid a fine flower 
wire, over which is pasted a narrow strip of the paper to 
conceal it. 

Fasten six petals on one of the paste-board disks, and 
six more alternately outside of those. Cover the other 
disk over the unsightly fastenings, bend the petals slightly 
to give the cup-like shape, and there materializes a 
double tulip suitable as a receptacle for nuts or small 
confections. 

Within their petals may also be placed the two cards, 
run on a narrow ribbon of tulip color, which are a part 
of the paraphernalia of entertainment. The upper one 
of these cards should bear one of the following twenty 
sentences, each containing a *' buried*' musician, and 
the under row will serve for a memorandum of great- 
ness exhumed. To the under one is attached a tiny 
pencil, with which the record is to be made. 

The letters composing the names of the sought-for 
musicians come successively together, but the name may 
begin and end in different words. 

BURIED MUSICIANS 

There were verd isles and tender blue of summer skies. 
(Verdi.) 

Maud Muller raked the hay; deny it not, O Judge! 
(Hoyden.) 

The bell in ivy tower rings knell of passing day. (Bel- 
lint.) 

I arrive. King, most gracious sovereign. (Rive King.) 

She still wears her old smile — the sweet, modest maiden. 
(Her old.) 

The mother of Charlie Ross in idle dreams still clasps 
him. (Rossini.) 

We berate our neighbors soundly, but excuse ourselves. 
(Weber.) 

How famous the cherub in ideal art. (Chertcbini.) 



144 ZNTZ^TAINNLNIS TOK ALL SEASONS 

If he asks your hand, Eliza, do not say nay. (Handel.) 
Be brief! Lo, toward life's setting sun, man hastens. 

(Flo^ow.) 

You've dropped a beet — ho, vender, heigh! (Beethoven.) 
The dog spies a cat, and it makes his tail wag nervously. 

( Wagner. ) 

A beau, berrying, needs a basket and a sweetheart. 

(Auber.) 

My chop I nearly always eat with peas. (Chopin.) 
You have found an egg, lucky boy. (Gluck.) 
'Liz still improves from day to day. (Lizst.) 
Whoever else leaves, the Co. stays in most firms. 

( Costa. ) 

Cattle enjoy herbal feeding grounds. (Balfe.) 

I do not care a sou, Sarah, whether you wall or won't. 

( Soiisa. ) 

There will be no confab to-night. (Abt. ) 

With the changing of courses the ^'entombment*' 
cards are slipped off from the ribbon and passed to the 
left. During the discussion of the final offerings to ap- 
petite, each one is privileged to examine and pass on as 
many sentences as she can secure from other guests who 
have either given up in despair the discovery of any great 
name in the mystical sentences, or have made record of 
the same and are anxious for new fields of investigation. 

There should be a certain time limit for this general 
opportunity, and when it has expired, the hostess will 
give the signal for rising from the feast by collecting the 
cards bearing the names rescued from word rubbish. 
A prize may be awarded to the most successful in the 
search. 

A Musical livening 

AN interesting and novel mode of amusement for an 
evening gathering js ''naming compositions." Each 
guest is provided with a small card and pencil. A per- 
son possessing some musical talent then plays tw^o or 
three measures from some well-known or popular com- 
position on the piano. Each guest writes down what he 
thinks is the name of the piece. If the player selects two 
or three measures from the middle of the composition, 
there will be some difficulty and a great deal of amuse- 



mSCLLLAKLOUS DITiK^nS A?W PAKTIES 145 

ment in determining upon the name. About ten selec- 
tions are played, allowing two minutes for the writing of 
each name. 

To the person having the greatest number of correct 
answers, a book on some musical subject is given as a 
prize. A pair of doll's slippers, marked *'Fordefeef 
(for defeat), is an appropriate booby prize. 

Suggestions for Thimble Parties 

IN these times, when thimble parties are so often the 
means of entertaining an out-of-town guest and intro- 
ducing her to a few intimate friends, it behooves the host- 
ess to incorporate into the sewing meeting something 
which will bring her visitors together and establish cordial 
relations. 

Guessing contests of various natures always prove in- 
teresting, often mirth provoking, and usually have the 
desired effect of enabling the house guest to become 
acquainted more quickly with these friends of her hostess. 

Following are two suggestions, which if carried out in 
a proper spirit, would doubtless prove enjoyable. 

The first is a '* Mother Goose Ramble.'' 

Your guests are simply invited to * ^ a Thimble, from 
three to six." 

No intimation of the game must be given, as that 
would spoil the fun entirely. 

Previous to their coming, purchase two copies of illus- 
trated Mother Goose. Cut from one copy the best- 
known pictures, as ** Little Tommy Tucker," *^ Little 
Jack Horner," *'Bo Peep," "Little Boy Blue," ''jack 
and Jill," ''Jack Sprat and His Wife," "Tom, Tom," 
etc., and some of the less familiar ones, as "Bah, Bah, 
Black Sheep," "A Dillar, a Dollar," "The Woman who 
Lived on Victuals and Drink." 

Free these pictures from all text and mount them 
singly on uniform size card-board, using about twenty- 
five. Number them and indicate these numbers in your 
second, undisturbed copy of Mother Goose, 



146 ZNTZnTAlNMENTS TOR ALL SEASONS 

After your guests have arrived, and before their little 
work-bags have been brought out, hang these pictures in 
various parts of one or two rooms, give each a large card 
containing the numbers up to twenty-five, leaving gener- 
ous spaces opposite the numbers. Now announce that 
they are to discover who the pictures represent, and to 
write the verses belonging to each. They may start at 
any point, taking care to maintain a strict correspond- 
ence between character and number. 

When sufficient time has been given, collect papers 
and appoint judges. 

Needlework can now begin, and may continue until the 
lunch is announced, which is usually served at small tables. 

The announcement of the winners in contest can be 
made at any time after the result is known. 

An appropriate first prize would be a dainty little copy 
of the Persian poet, Omar Kha)ryam, accompanied by the 
remark that the recipient deserved promotion ; and for 
the booby, the second copy of Mother Goose, the winner 
of which might be playfully told she must go back to the 
nursery. 

This party might be best used for all young girls, or 
if a few young matrons are to be asked, include some pic- 
tures of men and women famous in our day, to even up 
matters and not give an unfair advantage, for a young 
mother would certainly be well up in Mother Goose, 
while likely not so conversant with affairs of state, etc. 
The younger portion would be obliged to depend en- 
tirely on their memories of their own childhood for the 
nursery rhymes, while they would doubtless be quite 
well acquainted with the celebrities of the day. 

In such case, call your game, ''Old Friends and 
New." 



Another pleasant and profitable contest might be 
called "The Forest Jubilee." 

Procure colored pictures of about twenty to twenty- 
five birds. (Certain educational magazines will furnish 
these at a nominal sum. ) 



mSCZLLANZOUS DINNERS AND PAKTItS 147 

Carefully number and keep list of name and number 
for your reference. 

Your guests will take great interest in finding out how 
little they know about the feathered songsters. 

A Japanese banner, or photograph holder, so popular 
now, and invariably picturing that nation's beloved black- 
bird which talks, would be a suitable prize for the one 
who guessed the greatest number correctly, while for the 
unfortunate who knew the fewest, one of those tiny toy 
bird cages and birds might be offered. 

An Autumn Breakfast 
1X7 RITE the invitations upon paper colored and shaped 
* ' to represent an autumn leaf. These may be made 
by using a natural leaf as a pattern, and either tinting 
with water colors or purchasing paper of the desired 
shade. The following is a desirable form : 

Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Reynolds request the 
pleasure of Miss Dean's company on Wednes- 
day morning, November twentieth, at eleven 

o'clock. , , _ 

An Autumn Breakfast. 

The breakfast may be served at any hour selected by 
the hostess, much depending upon local preferences. 
An appropriate menu is as follows : 

Apples, Grapes and Oranges. 

Grape Nuts, Sugar and Cream. 

Broiled Chicken. Baked Potatoes. 

Griddle Cakes. Honey. 

Mixed Native Nuts. Coffee. 

Decorate the table with chrysanthemums in a large 
central bowl, a trail of autumn leaves running to each 
plate and a favor of nuts for each guest. Prepare these 
favors by selecting acorns, beech-nuts and hazel-nuts, 
piercing each with a ribbon-threaded needle and tying 
together in a graceful bunch. Six or seven nuts should 
suffice for one of these bunches, and any kinds preferred 
by the hostess may be chosen. 



148 ZNTZ'RTAINNZNJS TOn ALL SEASONS 

. A Maize Party 
A MAIZE party or sociable is an easily arranged and 
-^ appropriate form of entertainment, and is season- 
able from the ripening of the maize onward. Both the 
invitations and menu should be written on maize-tinted 
paper, and if one is handy, an outline or sketch of an ear 
of corn on the menu card would be appropriate, in which 
case the menu should be written on the ear outlined. A 
pretty fancy would be to cut out the shape so outlined, 
and add a fringe of silk paper attached by means of a 
drop of mucilage. The menu cards are to be carried 
away by guests, as souvenirs of the occasion. The menu 
may consist of the following, any change in which may 
be made as the hostess desires : 

Corn Popovers. Corn Oysters. 
Corned Beef. Indian Corn Pudding. 

Coffee. Cake. 

Pop-corn Balls. 

Napkins having ears of corn embroidered in corners, 
and done in maize-tinted or crimson silk, should be placed 
at the service of the guests. 

The tablecloth can be of cheesecloth in two thick- 
nesses, and should also be maize-colored. Chandeliers 
and hanging lamps should be festooned and looped 
gracefully with cheesecloth also, and a large bunch of 
golden-rod and cat-tails, both plucked full length and 
arranged in the form of a stook or shock of com fodder, 
should be arranged in the hall or in the comer of the 
reception-room. The cake is unique and is arranged as 
follows : Make as for roll jelly cake, or any simple cake, 
not too rich ; bake in long pans, such as ginger-bread is 
baked in, and then, while hot, cut in strips or slices at 
least an inch wide (two inches is better). Two sizes of 
slices will be needed. Half the number will be required 
two inches less in length than the larger ones, which 
should be at least fifteen inches in length. Cover each 
slice with icing, and arrange on a large platter or waiter 
in the form of a cob-house. Afterward fill the inside 



JilSCZLLANLOUS DINNEKS AND PAHTIES 1 49 

space with pop-corn, selecting the nicest grains. Half 
the quantity may be dampened and rolled in red sugar if 
liked. Arrange the pop-corn balls in the form of a pyra- 
mid. The cake and pyramid may be used for central 
pieces if desired, and whatever else may be omitted in 
the course outlined, the cake should not be omitted, as it 
is a distinguishing feature. 

Ears of corn may be gilded and used for ornamen- 
tation. 

^^ 

A rortune-Telling Tea 
'This pleasant diversion is among the recent fads, and 

cannot fail to offer an unfailing source of amusement. 

If served on the porch it will be all the more enjoy- 
able. Arrange the piazza so that it resembles a gypsy's 
camp, with gay cushions and draperies. 

Secure some friend who has studied palmistry, and 
another who has some knowledge of astrology and can 
read character from the date of birth. Books on these 
subjects can be easily procured and notes taken bearing 
on the most important dates. A third party dressed in 
gypsy costume should tell fortunes by tea-grounds. 

It is wise to add as much of the mystery as possible 
to this sort of an entertainment, and not let it be known 
until afterward who the gypsy really is. 

The tea must not be strained when fortunes are to be 
told. Rub it fine between your fingers and pour boiling 
water over it. Move the cup rapidly, so the grounds will 
be spread over the surface. Drain off all unnecessary 
moisture, and in the lines and figures will be found the 
omens. 

The cup must be drained by the person wishing his 
or her fortune told, and turned around slowly three times, 
a wish being made at the same time. 

Straight lines always indicate peace, tranquillity and a 
long life. 

A crown indicates honor. 

Birds imply good news. 

A single tree denotes health. 



150 ZNTzmAiNTiENTS fou all seasons 

Flowers indicate happiness and joy. 

An anchor denotes business success. 

A triangle foretells a journey and an unexpected 
legacy. 

A serpent indicates an enemy. 

Long, wavy lines denote losses and vexations. 

A lily at the top of a cup indicates a happy marriage. 

A ring or circle means marriage. 

If clouds are about the circle it will be unhappy. If 
clear, there will be happiness. 

A clover leaf is a good sign. 

The figure of a man or woman indicates a welcome 
visitor. 

Squares indicate peace and happiness. 

A letter surrounded by dots brings a remittance ; sur- 
rounded by clouds, bad tidings and losses. 

A fortune-teller who has some clairvoyant power can 
make this entertainment most enjoyable. 

Dainty refreshments should be served by young girls 
dressed in gypsy costumes. 

^^ 
Celebrities— A Game 
TT is remarkable how difficult it is to give correct names 
^ to faces which have grown familiar to us through con- 
stant meetings in papers and magazines. This idea has 
suggested a most fascinating little game, in the making of 
which there is quite as much pleasure as in the playing. 
And the cards, which are easily made, make a charming 
Christmas gift to send to the friend who enjoys puzzles 
and games. 

Cut from papers and magazines pictures of artists, 
authors, statesmen, etc., and paste them upon pieces of 
cardboard about twelve by fourteen inches, or a little 
larger if preferred, and number each face distinctly. 
When the game is to be played by several people, these 
cards should be stood about the room on mantel and 
tables, and each guest given a paper upon which are 
numbers corresponding to those on the cards. A certain 
amount of time is allotted for the guessing, after which, 



mSCELLANZOUS DINNERS AND PARTIES \ 51 

whosoever has the largest number of names correct is 
given a photograph of a famous picture by one of the 
artists or a book by one of the well-known authors. 

The game may be varied by using pictures of famous 
buildings, such as St. Peter's, the Colosseum, the Wash- 
ington Monument, etc. 

^^ 

A House-Top Party 
DUT few city houses can boast of piazzas, though nearly 
^ all are built with fiat roofs, and it was owing to this 
fact that the intended porch party became a house-top 
party. Rugs were spread upon the roof, while numerous 
cushions and pillows took the place of chairs. The full 
moon, together with many Japanese lanterns, which hung 
on wires stretched between the chimneys, furnished ample 
light for the games with which the party was entertained. 
Charades were acted and Clumps played, this latter being 
a game in which the company is divided into two circles, 
one member from each going out and selecting some 
object or even sometliing intangible, which the circles 
must guess by asking only such questions as can be an- 
swered by '^yes" or **no." Those who select the object 
must be questioned by their opponents, and whichever 
circle is the first to make the correct guess has the privi- 
lege of drawing one member from the other circle. 
Another game which all enjoyed was Predicaments. The 
company formed a circle and one whispered a predica- 
ment to his right-hand neighbor, such as * ' What would 
you do if the house should take fire?" To his left-hand 
neighbor each whispered an answer. Then the fun began 
when these questions and answers were told, none of 
which, by any chance, fitted each other. 

The refreshments were rather unique, consisting 
almost wholl}^ of ginger in some of its many forms. First 
there were sandwiches spread with preserved ginger, 
which had been chopped very fine. There were also 
sandwiches of lettuce and mayonnaise, ginger snaps and 
ginger cake, iced ginger ale and candied ginger, none of 
which was partaken of in a gingerly manner. 



152 ZNTZ'RTAINNZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

Each guest had been requested to come prepared to 
tell an amusing story and to ask a conundrum, and while 
the supper was being eaten the questions were asked and 
the stories told, which, it is needless to say, left the 
hostess no room for doubt as to the pleasure and full 
entertainment of her guests. 

^^ 
A Pin Party 
'THE invitations to this were written on large sheets of 
^ paper, and the sheet was then folded small, and 
pinned with a large black pin. Each guest was requested 
to bring along a fancy stick-pin which he or she was will- 
ing to have disposed of as the hostess saw fit. 

On entering, these were given to the hostess, who 
thrust each into a small card bearing the name of the per- 
son bringing it. While her guests were removing wraps 
in the guest-chamber, she put these by twos into small 
jeweler's boxes. The name of the girl who brought the 
one pin was put also into the box, and any pin which was 
brought by a man. No man's name was enclosed. 
When the time came for supper these boxes were passed 
to the gentlemen, who each selected one. The name in- 
side indicated which lady he was to take out to supper. 
One stick-pin went to each of the pair, and these served 
as souvenirs. 

It so happened that no man had the pin that he had 
brought to the entertainment, and of course no girl had 
hers, for she would insist that the man take the pin she 
had provided. As these pins were many of them the 
quaintest thing to be found by the person bringing them, 
they created not a little amusement. 

Before supper the time was filled in with various 
games. The first of these was an entertainment, in which 
all the guests took part. A fancy tray contained as many 
slips of cardboard as there were guests. This was placed 
on the center-table, and the hostess called upon one of 
the men to pick up one of these slips at random, and read 
what it contained. He did so and read : ''The tale of a 
pin." The hostess then informed him that he must tell 



mSCELLANZOUS DINNLKS AND PARTIES 1 53 

the story of a pin, and do it in two minutes. The sur- 
prise was so great that he scarcely recovered enough to 
begin his story before his time was up. Then he had to 
call on some girl, and she was obliged to take a slip, and 
do whatever it bade her, for the period of two minutes. 
And so on until all had taken part. Some of the slips 
read thus : 

Speak a piece with something in it about a pin. 

Name twenty-five kinds of pins. 

Oration on points. 

Give a talk on pinfeathers. 

Improvise a poem on '*The boy and the pin.** 

Tell twenty uses for a hairpin. 

Sew with a pin. With this was given a piece of 
cheesecloth and a pin with a long thread tied to the head. 

Count the pins in a heap (all sizes and kinds). 

Draw a picture of a pin (breastpin of huge pattern). 

Ring pins. This last was a variation of the game of 
quoits or ring toss. Into a foot square piece of soft pine 
had been stuck twenty pins about an inch apart. The 
victim was given ten small brass rings, and made to stand 
two feet from the edge of the table, and see how many 
rings he could make catch over a pin. 

Another game was played by marching the company 
slowly three times past a large white card hung on the 
wall, on which card were fastened twenty-five odd stick- 
pins, representing brownies, cats, the yellow kid, and so 
on. As the lines passed out of the room for the third 
time, each guest was given pencil and paper, and told to 
write down the objects represented. The one making 
the best list from memory was given a prize. Two prizes 
had to be given, as two best lists were handed in, one by 
a lady and the other by a gentleman. The prizes given 
were a handsome little stick-pin for the gentleman and a 
set of pretty ''ladies' beauty" pins for the lady. For a 
booby prize, the unlucky guesser was given one of those 
enormous blanket pins used on horse blankets, and he 
was advised to do his wits up and fasten them safely by 
means of this pin. 



154 LNrZ-RTAINHZNIS TO'R ALL SEASONS 

The ring toss game proved popular. This was a 
large board in which was stuck half a dozen hat pins ; 
the players were given six one-inch brass rings each, and 
in turn, standing five feet away, were to try and toss the 
rings over the pins, as spoken of before. All could take 
part in this game, and of course the winner was the per- 
son who tossed most of his rings over the pins. Another 
way of playing the game is to have a certain number as 
the game limit. Let each player throw in turn, going 
around the number over and over until some one reaches 
the limit number, which brings the game to a close with 
the limit reacher as the winner. 

The last game was a guessing game on the plan of 
the bean guesses. The hostess had put into a large 
bottle a large number of pins, and all the guests were 
allowed to guess at the number. As the pins were of all 
sizes and several kinds and colors, this was not an easy 
matter. The best guess lacked fifty of being the right 
number, which latter was seven hundred and sixty-three. 
The counting was not so hard a matter as might be 
thought, for the filler of the bottle bought her pins by 
papers, and putting in a full paper of one kind, another 
of a smaller number and a box of the mourning pins, the 
residue was easily counted. After being in the bottle the 
contents were well shaken, which tended to make them 
seem a greater number than they really amounted to. 

9^ 
A Digital Diversion 

"On day 3 of week 2 of month 9 you are invited to be at 

the home of i Bessie Brown, where you are expected to 

enjoy 4 hours of o but fun. Come at 7 and be prepared 

to guess not less than 6 puzzles. 8 of the girls and 9 of the 

boys are invited. 

" Bring your sharpest wits, 
For a tussle with digits." 

'THE recipients of the above unique invitations were in 
^ a flutter of anticipation until the date given had really 
arrived, for it was an admitted fact that Bessie was a de- 
lightful hostess, and that her plans were always new and 
fun-giving. 



mSCZLLANLOUS DINNLKS AND PASTILS 1 5S 

Neither hinting nor bold questioning had any effect 
in gathering what sort of a time a digital party was, so 
that of the nine couples who were to be found m the 
parlors of the Brown dwelling promptly on time on the 
appointed evening, only one person, the hostess herself, 
knew anything further than was contained in the invita- 
tion. 

After the greetings and unwrapping were over, the 
hostess carried to each girl a bag in which were the digits 
separately cut from celluloid. A similar bag was passed 
among the boys, and the digit drawn out connected the 
boy and girl who drew the corresponding badges, as 
partners for the evening. The badges were about two 
inches long, and to the back of each was fastened a small 
safety-pin, by which to attach it to the coat or dress of the 
wearer. 

The hostess then announced that there would be two 
contests, for both of which prizes would be given. For 
the first contest were passed around large cards on which 
were printed a list of questions with blank spaces for the 
answers to be written. These answers were to be either 
a digit, or a sentence containing one of the digits. Mrs. 
Brown had prepared the list of questions and made the 
cards, so that Bessie might take part also in the contest, 
and thus leave no unfortunate boy without a partner. As 
Bessie had not seen the cards until her mother gave them 
into her hands for distribution, she also was ensured a 
fair share in the fun. Mrs. Brown and two other ladies 
were to act as judges and conductors of the affair. 

The list of questions and their answers are given for 
the benefit of any who may wish to give a similar enter- 
tainment. The no-number o was to increase the list and 
add to the variety : 

1. Why did you come here to-night? 

2. Who can best amuse a poet ? 

3. Why is there so little cake left? 

4. What digital reply made Wordsworth^s little maid? 

5. How old are you ? 

6. If X be the known quantity, what remains when it is 
equally divided? 



156 ZNIZ'RTAINJiENrS TOK ALL SEASONS 

7. At what time will supper be served? 

8. What digit rhymes with frauds? 

9. Who was victor in the contest? 
10. What dire fate doth you await? 



1. Just 4 fun. 

2. One o"" the 9 muses. 

3. Because I 8 the rest. 

4. "We are 7." 

5. That is o to you. 

6. 5. (Draw a line horizontally through the center of X, 
thus leaving v, or five.) 

7. That remains 2 be seen. 

8. 6— tricks. 

9. The I who i. 

10. The homeliest one of the 3. 

The prize vi^ent to girl No. 7, who had correctly an- 
swered all the questions save one. For the prize the 
hostess had selected at the leading bookstore nine books, 
with the privilege of returning all but two (any two to be 
retained at her pleasure). Each of the titles of the 
books began with one of the digits, and for the first prize 
was of course chosen the number to correspond with that 
worn by the winner. The book was an exquisitely 
bound copy of J. G. Holland's ''Seven Oaks." To the 
poorest list-maker was presented, as a consolation prize, 
one of the bead frames used to teach small children to 
count. 

While the judges were examining the lists, and before 
these prizes were awarded, the guests engaged in various 
games, all having some connection with the subject of 
the evening's entertainment. Two games of dominoes 
were brought out, one being the unique and little known 
"triangular dominoes," the other the popular double 
nines. W^hile about half the guests amused themselves 
with these two games, the rest engaged in "writing 
poetry." These were on the plan of 

'' Ten little berries grew on a vine, 
I plucked one, and then there were nine." 

The best of the rhymes produced was the following, 
which when read aloud won the prize of the greatest ap- 
plause : 



mSCELLANEOUS 'DINNERS AND PASTILS 1 57 

Ten little dudes went out to dine, 

One said he wasn't hungry, and then there were nine. 

Nine little dudes with neckties to date, 

One had the wrong color and so there were eight 

Eight cunning dudes stayed out till eleven. 

Then one kicked the bucket, and lo, there were seven. 

Seven sweet dudes sucking big-headed sticks, 
One swallowed the thing, so left us but six. 

Six dainty dudes, they were learning to dive. 
One stayed under water, and up floated five. 

Five elegant dudes plunged deep in Greek lore, 
One studied too much, and then there were four. 

Four pretty dudies as sweet as could be. 
One soured on the others, so left us but three. 

Three solemn dudies, feeling quite blue. 

One turned very green, and then there were two. 

Two little dudies in quest of some fun. 

One happened to find it, and then there was one. 

Now of this lonely dudie, and the rest of this stuff, 
I am sure we have all of us heard quite enough. 

By this time the judges were waiting to announce the 
result of the contest, and when this business was over, 
the second was announced. This was to write a list of 
nine books, No. i to begin with '*One, " such as: "One 
Year Abroad," or ''One of the Sweet Old Chapters." 
The author had also to be given, and for the best list a 
prize was to be awarded. The prize list was handed in 
by boy No. 3, who received as a prize Jerome's amusing 
book, ' ' Three Men in a Boat. ' ' The list is given below : 

"One Day's Courtship," Robert Barr. 

*' Two Women and a Fool," Chatfield-Taylor. 

*' Three Partners," Bret Harte. 

" Four for a Fortune," Albert Lee. 

** Five Little Peppers," Margaret Sidney. 

*'Six Years Later," Alexander Dumas. 

** Seven Lamps of Architecture," John Ruskin. 

*' Eight Cousins," Miss Alcott. 

**Nine Little Goslings," Susan Coolidge. 

Appended to the list was the sentence, ''And naught 
else do I know, ' ' followed by the signature of the com- 
piler ox the list. In this contest the consolation prize was 
a tiny elementary arithmetic. 



158 ZNTZ'RTAINNZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

While judgment was being passed on these last lists, 
a spelling-down contest with numbers, or a *' multiply ing- 
down,** was engaged in by all the guests. For this, as 
many know, problems from the multiplication table take 
the place of words for spelling. It was amusing to see 
how quickly some of the contestants would go down on 
the simplest problems, such as ''seven times one." As 
only one answer was allowed, and that must be given 
quickly, it really was no wonder that fifteen minutes suf- 
ficed to send all to their seats, defeated. As the, guests 
were all of the ages when arithmetic has been partially 
forgotten in the interests of higher forms of mathe- 
matics, it was all the more amusing to the onlookers to 
see their chagrin over the failures that would have dis- 
graced a child. 

It was quite late when lunch was served. This was a 
very simple repast of cakes and ices. The ices were 
frozen in the form of huge dominoes, each couple being 
served with an appropriate domino ; for instance, Nos. 2 
had dominoes double two, Nos. 7 had double seven 
dominoes, etc. There were several kinds of small cake, 
all baked in the shapes of the digits, or in domino style. 
These latter are easily made, as any simple recipe is used, 
the cakes being baked in large thin sheets, which when 
cold are cut into the correct shape, iced with white or 
chocolate icing, and the dot made by means of a pen or 
brush. On white dominoes make dots of chocolate, or 
use small round candies of any color, and on the brown 
chocolate dominoes make dots with white icing, or use 
small white candies. The dots on the ices were made in 
similar manner. 

Tiny lard pails, holding about a pint, were procured 
by the hostess, and each had a huge digit painted on one 
side. There were two of each digit, and they went to 
those bearing similar badges. These were full of choice 
bon-bons, and were to serve as souvenirs of the occasion. 
The badges were also retained as reminders of the pleas- 
ant evening. And as they wended their ways homeward, 
all voted the digital diversion a perfect success. 



TlISCLLLATiLOUS DmTiEKS A7iD PARTIES 1 59 
Floral Qames 

JAPANESE FLOWER PETAL GAME 

ULORAL games are always charming and help to make 
"*- the evening pass most pleasantly, besides offering the 
hostess the opportunity to carry out many dainty conceits 
in the decoration of the apartments, as well as in the 
menu, prizes and favors. 

One of the prettiest is the Japanese flower petal game. 
Invitations are sent out on cards cut the shape of a flower 
petal and painted. When the guests have assembled, a 
large sheet of paper having the face of a pretty girl 
drawn on it is tacked on a door or other convenient spot. 
This face the guests endeavor to fix in their memory. 
Then whoever is to make the first trial is blindfolded and 
led up to the picture. The conductor of the game hands 
him a red flower petal, requesting him to paint the lips 
in the picture ; but, of course, it is not likely to be put in 
the right place. Then he is given two pink geranium 
leaves for the nostrils ; two pink rose petals for the 
cheeks ; violets for the eyes, and a handful of sunflower 
petals to make the golden tresses with. Each guest 
takes his turn at painting the pretty girl's portrait, but the 
majority of these pictures will provoke more mirth than 
admiration. The person who makes the best picture gets 
as a prize a flowering plant in a little Japanese bowl or 
vase ; the booby is a comical mask. In Japan a red 
camellia petal is chosen to make the lips ; petals of the 
tea rose for the nostrils ; pink azalea petals for the cheeks; 
the blue gloxinia for the eyes, and the yellow gourd leaves 
for the hair. 

The petals may be cut from tissue paper if it is 
wished to carry out the game in a strictly Japanese man- 
ner. Paper flowers may also be used to decorate the 
rooms. Chrysanthemums, pink and white, or red, white 
and yellow, are very effective, but cherr}'^ blossoms or 
morning-glories, both much admired by the Japanese, are 
far daintier. They are easily made, and will transform 
th^ rooms into a perfect floral bower. Paper lanterns of 



160 ENTZmAINNZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

delicate hues put as shades over all the lights will heighten 
the effect of a Japanese garden. Tea punch is served 
during the evening, and as many Japanese features intro- 
duced in the menu as possible. Nearly all the shops now 
keep rice candies, Japanese conserved fruits and other 
dainties that may be served in the sweet part of the sup- 
per. The little satinwood fans, ornamented with sprays 
of flowers, are very pretty and appropriate for favors, or 
the stuffed silk flower shapes that may be used afterward 
for pincushions. 

THE FLOWER ORACLE 

The object of this game is to take a peep into the 
future regarding one's fate. The main points of the 
game are the disposition and occupation of the affinity, 
and what the future holds in store. It requires a little 
more preparation than the other games, but with the aid 
of a floral dictionary it may be very easily arranged. 
Lists are made of flowers and the sentiments they ex- 
press, choosing those that are appropriate to the game. 
For example, for the disposition, aster, fickle ; red rose, 
affectionate ; poppy, lazy ; jessamine, amiable, and so on. 

The following is a good list to choose the occupation 
from : Cherry blossom signifies a professor ; apple blos- 
som, a lawyer ; lily, a nobleman ; reed, a musician ; rose, 
an artist ; thistle, a soldier ; laurel leaf, a poet ; cypress 
leaf, a doctor ; auricula, a miser. 

The momentous question, what will the future bring 
forth, may be settled from this list : 

Buttercup signifies riches ; wheat, prosperity ; sumac, 
splendor ; cardinal flower, distinction ; clematis, poverty ; 
cress, power ; syringa, disappointment. 

These lists may be lengthened according to the num- 
ber of guests. A flower arbor or tent is erected in a cor- 
ner of the room ; this is the temple of fate. Its presid- 
ing prophetess wears a white or black gown elaborately 
garnished with flowers, and a chaplet of flowers on her 
head. The owl of wisdom sits perched on a flowering 
branch, and the arbor is lighted with blue and green 
lamps. Three large white paper lilies, filled with folded 



niSCZLLANZOUS DINNZ'RS AND PAKTIES l6l 

slips of paper, grow in a mound of moss. As the in- 
quisitive seeker into the future propounds the questions 
to the prophetess he is directed to draw a sHp of paper 
from a hly for the answer. Unfolding the paper, the 
name of the flower is disclosed, which the prophetess in- 
terprets. These answers should be placed so the prophet- 
ess can read them readily without it being observed by 
the questioner, which would spoil the illusion. No prizes 
are given, but a card daintily decorated with a spray of 
flowers and a bit of verse may be put at each guest's 
plate. If the verses can be selected to fit a characteristic 
of each person it will add to the general enjoyment, but 
it is needless to say that the^ verses should set forth the 
praises of a complimentary trait. 

Novel Fads in E^ntertainments 
A MONG the entertainments which furnished amuse- 
-^ ment for a jolly crowd, besides netting a comfortable 
sum for a worthy object, was a social of ''Ye Good Old 
Times.'' 

Among the rules and regulations, which were printed 
with the invitations, appeared the following : 

Every man who appears in a '^ b'iled shirt " will be sub- 
ject to a fine. 

No gew-gaws permitted. 

Every woman will be fined who does not wear a calico 
dress and apron. 

All jewelry prohibited. 

The menu consisted of old-fashioned dainties famous 
in our grandmother's day. Home-spun table linen was 
used. 

A concert of old-fashioned music followed the supper. 



The decorations at an entertainment given for a Har- 
monic Fraternity were most effective. Suspended from 
th^ chandeliers was a gilded music roll filled with mar- 



162 ZNTZ'RTAINNENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

guerites and tied with ribbons, which were fastened to the 
four corners of the table. In the center of the table was 
a rustic basket of marguerites. 

A floral screen in the form of a harp was most at- 
tractive. Curtains of smilax and vines were used be- 
tween the archway. 

The ices were served in the form of a harp. The 
menu cards took the form of mandolins, harps and other 
musical instruments. 



A Corn Social is a unique church entertainment. The 
menu cards consist of corn-husks with the bill of fare 
printed or lettered thereon. 

Below is given a novel menu used at an entertainment 
of this nature: 

CORN MUSH WITH MILK 

" They did eat of the old corn of the land." 

— Joshua Vy ii» 

CORN ESCALLOPED 

" Corn maketh men cheerful.'* 

— Zachariah iXy ly, 

CORN BREAD 

" Eat bread and let thy heart be merry." 

— / Kings XXI y 7. 

CORN MUFFINS 

" Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread." 

— Judges XIX y 5. 

CORN BEEF 

"And he took the calf which he had dressed and set it 
before them." — Genesis xviiiy 8. 

CORN STARCH CAKE 

" Baked it in pans and made cake of it." 

-^Numbers xiy 8. 

CORN STARCH PUDDING 

" Give him the fruit of thy corn." 

— Deuteronomy xviii, 4. 

CORN POPPED 

" And he reached her parched corn and she did eat of it." 

— Ruth II y 14. 

CORN COFFEE 

" Do not drink wine or strong drink lest ye die." 

— Leviticus Xy g. 



mSCELLANLOUS DITSlTZLTiS AND PAnTIZS l63 

The church or hall where this entertainment is held 
should be decorated in corn as far as possible in its vari- 
ous forms — strings of pop-corn, ears of ripe com, both 
red and yellow, com husks, etc. 



A Lullaby Concert affords a pleasant evening, espe- 
cially where the lullabies of all nations are given in appro- 
priate costumes and scenery. 

The German peasant woman, in her rustic interior, 
singing one of Mozart's lullabies to her little flock, can- 
not fail to please. 

The strong, sturdy Norwegian mother humming one 
of the ** folk-lore'' songs to her sleeping babe, the Jap- 
anese singing lullabies to her beady-eyed baby, and an 
old colored mammy crooning a weird darky song to her 
woolly-haired pickaninny afford a pleasing variety ; but 
the two numbers which receive most applause are the 
young English mother in her simple white gown and 
large garden hat, swinging her little one in a hammock 
under a blossoming apple tree and singing that old, old 
melody, ** Hush-a-Bye-Baby," and the American Indian 
mother rocking her papoose in a nest of woven rushes in 
the woods, and singing a wild, weird chant of the forest. 

^^ 
A Lemon Party 

'THE festive lemon is once more brought forward as 
-*- king of a carnival. 

For a lemon party the hostess sends her invitations 
out on yellow paper, also requesting each guest to bring 
a lemon. Then she hunts up yellow lanterns for lawn 
and porch, and hangs her rooms in yellow crepe and yel- 
low flower garlands. Her lamp and candle shades are 
yellow crepe paper, and yellow jardinieres with clusters 
of yellow flowers stand here and there. The lady herself 
must be decked in a lovely yellow gown, to fit the 
occasion. 

The night comes, the guests arrive. A maid stands 
by the door to receive their lemons, and the yellow fmit 
is taken to the kitchen, where every seed is extracted and 



164 ZNTZT^JAINJ^ENTS FOR ALL SEASONS 

placed in a glass jar. Later the jar is passed among the 
company and each person jots down a guess as to the 
number of seeds in it. Then some one counts those 
seeds and the winners are announced. The one who 
guesses nearest the number is given, perhaps, a pretty 
lemonade set, and the one the least correctly a *' booby" 
prize, perhaps a lemon-squeezer. 

The refreshments are : Chicken salad served in the 
half shells of lemons, and bread and butter sandwiches 
tied with yellow baby ribbon ; coffee, perhaps, or lem- 
onade ; then lemon and orange ices and lemon cake. 
When the guests depart, give each one a little yellow box 
filled with lemon drops, as a parting pleasantry. 

If you care to go further into the idea, ask your guests 
to don yellow for the occasion. At a country house 
party the young people came in tissue paper and calico 
fashioned into fantastic shapes. One girl had sewed 
lemons, cut from cloth, and green leaves all over her 
white dress, and an ambitious youth announced that 
his yellow paper suit was meant as a sunflower cos- 
tume. A clown in orange and yellow was there, and one 
boy had even painted his face, and appeared as a 
Chinaman ! 

In arranging such an entertainment, one's ideas grow 
as the preparations progress, and many quaint notions 
can be carried out. 

A Mexican Luncheon 
'THE woman in search of novelty should bid her friends 
-*■ to a Mexican luncheon or dinner, a fad that originated 
in California and has rapidly come East. Of course, she 
^yill have to get the decorative effects without the serapes, 
sombreros, water bottles, stamped leather, and cacti blos- 
soms, that the Pacific coast hostess uses to give a Mexican 
setting to her meal, unless she has been a traveler and 
has picked up some of these things. But the apartment 
may be made very bright and attractive with palms, 
rubber plants, plain unbaked pottery or dark glazed 
tJtpneware jars filled with red nasturtiums and red and 



WSCELLANEOUS Dmn^KS A'MD PARTIES l 65 

white geraniums, and a liberal use of the Mexican colors. 
Indeed, this scheme of decoration is lighter and more 
artistic. A Mexican menu is not difficult to carry out, as 
tamales, frijoles and several sweetmeats are kept by all 
first-class grocers, and other dishes may be prepared by 
recipes that have been modified to suit the untried Ameri- 
can palate, as only the practised, seasoned one could 
possibly relish the amount of chiletipin, or of the milder 
peppers that the originals call for. The description of a 
dinner and a luncheon will give an idea of the possibilities 
of such a meal. 

The dinner was given in the rooms of a travel club, 
and strips of Mexican embroideries, striped blankets and 
flags were hung on the walls, and whips and spurs, som- 
breros and rebozos grouped to break the lines. Baskets 
and Guadalajara jars and bowls of flaming scarlet canna 
blooms were put on the side-board, the mantel and in the 
windows. A large glass vase of green fern fronds, white 
and scarlet carnations, made a very effective centerpiece 
for the table ; glass dishes of dulces, stuffed olives, and 
chili-verde sauce were arranged in a semicircle at each 
side. The candles were shaded with frills of green, white 
and red papers. A fern frond, a white and a scarlet car- 
nation tied with the Mexican colors, were placed by each 
plate, and a box of pepper bon-bons — the Mexican coat 
of arms painted on the top in water colors. The name 
cards were shaped like mandolins. The menu consisted of : 

Oyster Cocktails. Vegetable Soup. 

Enchiladas. 

Temole. Tortillas. 

Sweetbreads. Stuffed Peppers. 

Tamales. Frijoles. Tomato Salad. 

Chocolate. 

Ice Cream. Pomegranate Marmalade 

Oranges. Coffee. 

This menu is very elaborate and may be simplified. 
The soup is made of any meat, and besides other vege- 
tables has peas and peppers in it. To make the enchi- 
ladas fill tortillas with minced pork, cheese and chili sauce 
and roll up. The tortillas are made of pounded corn, 



166 ZNTZnTAINJ^ENJS TOR ALL SEASONS 

mixed with water and formed into flat thin cakes. They 
are baked brown on a sheet of iron, and must be baked 
quickly, first on one side and then the other, and should 
be served hot. Temole is merely a stew of meats highly 
seasoned with peppers and herbs ; indeed, nearly all 
Mexican meat dishes are stews. For the entree of sweet- 
breads, after dressing them, cut into pieces of equal size. 
Strain the liquor from three dozen large oysters and put 
it in a saucepan with one cupful of meat gravy and one- 
fourth of a pound of butter rolled in flour and cut in bits, 
and a sliced onion. When the sweetbreads are done put 
in the oysters and cook five minutes. Add two wine- 
glasses of cream and serve in a hot dish. Pass chili- verde 
sauce with it The stuffed green peppers are filled with 
grated cheese and the whites of eggs and baked in dough. 
The frijoles or Mexican beans are boiled from four to 
eight hours till soft and juicy. Then they are well 
seasoned with cheese and chili, mashed and fried in but- 
ter and served hot and juicy in bowls. For the salad, 
slice raw tomatoes, salting and peppering each layer. 
Then pour over them a half cupful of olive oil, two table- 
spoonfuls of vinegar, cracker crumbs and chili. Serve 
very cold. The chocolate is very thick and is flavored 
with cinnamon and has a generous spoonful of whipped 
cream on top, and with the pomegranate marmalade com- 
pleted the dulces, as all sweets are broadly called in 
Mexico as in Spain. Ice cream is as much the national 
dish of Mexico as the tortilla. All day the ice cream men 
go through the streets with huge freezers balanced on 
their heads, and do a thriving trade. Mexicans generally 
eat cream before going to bed, but most Americans will 
find it a pleasant ending for such a peppery dinner. 
Ripe oranges were served, and after them fragrant black 
coffee. 

The luncheon was given by a resourceful young art 
student to her friends. Green vines and palm branches 
and Mexican flags and banners, some rented and some 
made by her nimble fingers of stripes of green, white and 
red, were effectively grouped on the walls, covering all 



mSCZLLAHZOUS OlTi'KZV.S AHO PAHTIZS l67 

the pictures. Palms, rubber plants and stalks of bloom- 
ing yucca gave a semi-tropical air to the room. On the 
mantel, jars of unbaked clay held masses of scarlet nas- 
turtiums and their round green leaves, while bunches of 
white and scarlet geraniums and leaves stood in the wm- 
dows and on the side-board. The tablecloth had two 
bands of lace inserting above the hem, and green and red 
strips were basted under it, and under the centerpiece 
and doilies. A quaint com basket, filled with green 
leaves, white and scarlet geranium blooms, was used for 
the centerpiece for the table, and a smaller one was put 
midway at each end. A candle in a candlestick, shaded 
with a white paper shade decorated with tiny flags and 
the guest's name, was set in front of each place. These 
and cakes of sweet chocolate, tied with Mexican colors, 
were the souvenirs. The menu was as follows : 

Soup in Bowls. 

Tortillas. Stuffed Olives. Grated Cheese. Chihs. 

Tamales. Frijoles. 

Preserved Figs. Nectarine Marmalade. 

Ice Cream. Coffee. 

In both instances the menus were arranged to suit 

American ideas of the proper order in the serving of food 

—the dishes themselves and the decorations introducing 

sufficient novelty in the meal. 

A Trolley Picnic 
TT was a very modest litde party of four that took this 
A charming trip one day in late spring, when the trees 
and grass were in fresh green and before the sun was 
quite aroused to its summer work. When the noon hour 
arrived the quartette rested from their travels on a 
shaded river bank, where they enjoyed a dainty luncheon 
of four courses, each one of the party having brought one 
course There were Saratoga chips and sandwiches of 
sardines and olives, the latter being chopped fine and 
spread, with mayonnaise, on the buttered bread ; bottles 
of sarsapariUa and ginger ale ; tarts and cakes for dessert, 
followed by bananas, cherries and plums. 



168 



ZNTEJLTAINJ^ZNIS TOK ALL SEASONS 



The remains of the feast having been cleared away, 
each one of the party told or read a short story. The 
rest over, the trolley trip was continued for several hours, 
and was proved to be a most delightful and practical way 
of studying geography. 

A Ping-Pong Party 

HE 

" Like the passing ping-pong ball, 
So my heart flies out to thee 
In enthusiastic thrall. 
So you throw it back to me ! 

SHE 

"When I play love's ping-pong game, 
It is just amusement, dear; 
Though a heart should throb aflame. 
It is tossed about as sphere. 

FATE 

** But when that game doth wane, 
Just because heart-ball is lost ; 
Then you'll hunt it all in vain, 

When thy croquet love is crossed.** 

piNG-PONG is more appropriate as an indoor winter 
^ game than as a summer amusement, when golf and 
tennis are so in evidence. But if its popularity continues. 





A Trimming of Crabs 




Ping-pong Mermaid Ping-pong Racquet 

Suggestions for Table Cards 



Bathing Suit 



mSCLLLATi^OUS DITm.^E.'RS ATW PAKTIES \69 

a very pretty party could be given at any of the seaside 
resorts, called Mermaids at Ping-Pong. There is endless 
variety in the manner in which the idea can be developed, 
and in what accessories could be used. 

First, of course would come the invitations, which 
should be either on white or on sea-green paper, requesting 
the guests to come dressed as mermaids. In the upper 
left-hand corner should be daintily painted in water col- 
ors the little vellum racquets and balls, or a tiny mermaid 
sitting on a rock. If green paper is used the decorations 
should be in white, but if not the designs should be done 
in sea-green. 

Next in order would be the transformation of the 
summer cottage into a mermaid's grotto. At most sea- 
side places one can purchase the long fish-nets which 
have been condemned for use, at fairly moderate prices. 
The nets, if entire, are about one hundred and fifty feet 
long. Some one told me that she had the good fortune 
to obtain one for seven or eight dollars. But I was more 
privileged, for I secured a beauty, which was fully eighty 
feet long, for the small sum of one dollar. It was hung 
with all the wooden floats and leaden weights that add 
much to its value. Half of it made a bower of beauty in 
the alcove of a blue-eyed college girl, and was the envy 
of all the other maidens. 

As many feet of net as can be procured will be 
needed to drape the walls and ceilings of the supper- 
room, and the one where the ping-pong tables are 
placed. 

Many people always cover the walls of their summer 
homes with fish-net, and in that case the preparations 
would be less difficult. Scallop shells, lobsters' claws, or 
other souvenirs of the ocean attached to the net, would 
add much to the scenic effect, and doubtless please the 
mermaids. 

It is said by certain authorities that the game is Jap- 
anese, and is about two hundred years old ; hence Japan- 
ese ornaments would not be out of place. If there be a 
veranda, it could be hung with Japanese lanterns and en- 



170 ZNTE'RTAINJiZNTS TOR ALL SEASONS 

closed with fish-net, thus adding another room to the 
cottage. 

The question of refreshments will be a serious one, 
for the menu must be one that is suited to the tastes of 
mermaids, and so must have a decidedly aquatic flavor. 
Some of the following articles are suggestive : 

Oysters on the half shell, clam soup, broiled bluefish, 
or baked sea-trout, roast wild duck, lobster salad with 
water-cresses, hard-tack, or sea biscuit, as it is sometimes 
called. (If preferred, bread in the shape of little fishes 
could be used in the place of bread sticks.) Beach- 
plum jelly, sea-moss blanc-mange in an appropriate mold, 
floating islands, ices (not ice-cream), and little cakes 
baked in shells so as to retain the imprint. The large 
scallop shells, such as are found in Castine, are the best, 
but that large variety is seldom seen on the usual beaches. 

If the party be invited for dinner, the place-cards 
must be very suggestive and dainty. They should be of 
square white card-board painted in water colors. A 
figure of a mermaid for the men's cards, and a girl in an 
up-to-date bathing suit for the ladies, would be suitable ; 
or, if preferred, figures of lobsters and crabs could be 
substituted for the latter. We illustrate these and some 
other suggestions. 

At a recent ping-pong party the cards were obtained 
from a young water-color artist through a Woman's Ex- 
change. All the figures were gowned in pink — half being 
ping-pong maidens in full evening dress, holding racquets 
and balls ; the rest were ballet-girls, posing in various 
graceful attitudes. These can be obtained at from one 
and a quarter to two dollars a dozen. 

The centerpiece for the table should be a long recep- 
tacle filled with water, banked up with moss, pebbles and 
shells. Some little fish — minnows if gold-fish cannot be 
procured — must be sporting in their natural element. If 
salt-water fish are used, fresh water will not answer, but 
only the genuine article ; in that case, a few little crabs 
could be added. It is difficult to make the latter live 
long, for they have a shocking cannibalistic propensity to 



mSCELLANEOUS VINNEKS AND PARTIES 1 71 

eat each other. One time I had an innocent-looking little 
crab named Fanny, and one night I rashly left a tiny 
''fiddler " in the same globe of water with her. But 
alas, the pangs of hunger prompted her to devour her 
guest during the hours of darkness, and in the morning- 
no trace of him could be found. 

A few red and green sea-weeds must be floating on 
the water, and in the center of the miniature ocean place 
a square stone which will come above the surface. Upon 
this seat two or four long-haired, jointed dolls, such as 
can be purchased for ten or fifteen cents, dressed as mer- 
maids, with tiny racquets in their hands. This arrange- 
ment under the gaslight will be very effective. 

The costumes of the beautiful sea-maidens must be 
foamy white or sea-green. Any full-dress evening gown 
of white could be draped with gauzy green and made to 
look satisfactory. If expense were not to be considered, 
costumes could be devised in any way that the wearer 
thought most resembled the garb of our sisters of the 
ocean, the fairy Undines. 

Necklaces and bracelets of shells, and shell ornaments 
for the hair, would be pretty accessories ; and if one is 
fortunate enough to possess a set of old-fashioned coral, 
which used to be so in vogue, that maiden would be en- 
vied. Sea-mosses painted on white fans would add 
a charm to the plainest frock. A pretty trimming could 
be made of the little red crabs, which can be bought for 
one or two cents apiece. A row could go around the 
bottom of the front and side breadths of the skirt, and 
about the low-necked corsage, with a close-fitting neck- 
lace of the same. 

The question of the men's attire is a puzzling one. If 
they came in evening dress or tuxedos, they certainly 
would not look like mermen. Perhaps, as great license 
is allowed them in the matter of dress at the seaside, 
white duck or flannel suits, with sea-green neckties and 
an appropriate scarf-pin, would answer the purpose. 

If it were to be a continuous ping-pong, there would 
have to be prizes, as in progressive euchre. At the 



1 72 ZNTE'RTAINNENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

Japanese stores a variety of little lobsters, crabs and fishes 
can readily be obtained. If more expensive articles are 
desired, sterling silver souvenirs would be extremely 
pretty, or strings of coral beads. 

Several bright college girls, putting the resources of 
their fertile brains together, could arrange a very novel 
and picturesque entertainment by developing these sug- 
gestions. 

^^ 

An Evening in Ye Forest of Arden 

'THE following is a quaint and altogether charming idea 
^ for a Shakespeare Club, or indeed for any circle of 
friends. 

The essentials are a country, or at least a village 
garden, or an old barn, with forest vines and an abun- 
dance of greens. Invitations should be sent out for an 
evening ^* In ye forest of Arden." Your guests will take 
the hint doubtless and study their **As You Like It." 

If the garden lends itself naturally to such a scene ; if 
there are '^ bosky dells" and natural bowers and beauti- 
ful trees in abundance, nothing more will be needed than 
to wait for a *'pale moon" to hang the trees and vines 
with fancy lanterns, making a subdued light, and to 
fashion an old-fashioned turnstile, at which some '^Fair 
Rosalind " shall stand to greet the guests when they shall 
be ushered into this ''forest of Arden." 

If a barn, or a big unused room or basement must be 
the ''forest," the task is still a simple one. Festoon 
vines and mosses over the rafters or ceiling, and with 
large branches of trees convert it into as fair a semblance 
of a forest as possible. 

Receive the guests in the parlor and pass away an 
hour or so with music or amateur sleight-of-hand per- 
formances, or with any sort of a "variety show," which 
comes easy to such performers as you can find among 
your guests. There are always young women who play 
the banjo, violin or guitar ; or young men who can recite 
entertainingly a dialect story, sing a topical song or give 
a monologue. 



mSCZLLANZOUS DINNERS AND PAKTILS 1 73 

When all the guests are assembled ask them into the 
forest, where each one as they enter will greet the ' * Fair 
Rosalind" at the turnstile (whose first appearance this 
must be) with some quotation from '*As You Like It,'* 
receiving in reply a witty and pat quotation. There is 
no dearth of these in this comedy of the great bard. 
For instance : 

Guest — '* Your heart's desire be with you." 
Fair Rosalind — '' Hereafter, in a better world than this, 
I shall desire more knowledge and love of you." 

G. — *' Oh, wonderful, wonderful and most wonderful won- 
derful and yet again wonderful, and after that out of all 
hooping." 

F. R. — *' I would the gods had made thee poetical." 
G. — *' Beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold." 
F. R. — '' Can one desire too much of a good thing?" 
G. — '* Maids are May when they are maids, but the sky 
changes when they are wives." 

F. R. — '* I do desire we may be better strangers." 
G. — " If ladies be but young and fair, they have the gift 
to know it." 

F. R.— ' I met a fool i' the forest, a motley fool." 

If your forest is out of doors, add a tent, where gypsies 
tell fortunes and dance in the light of a camp fire to the 
tinkle of guitars. 

Let the supper be al fresco, refreshing your guests 
with dainty basket lunches containing just enough for 
two, the sylvan retreats forming delightful "cosy cor- 
ners," in some one or more of which, you may be sure, 
that amid such fascinating surroundings, the ''old, old 
story " will be told again, and for the seductive setting, 
happy hearts will forever bless the genius of their hostess. 

If it is desired to finish the evening in-doors, some 
musical game may be played, such as ''Magic Music." 
One of the company seats herself at the piano, banishing 
another one of the number from the room. The remain- 
der then secret some article and recall the banished 
player, whose duty it is to search for the hidden thing, 
while the pianist keeps up a sort of running musical com- 
mentary upon the search, playing softly when he is wide 
of the mark and louder as he approaches it. 



174 ZNTZnTAINNZNTS FOH ALL SEASONS 

Appropriate prizes are a small, hollow log filled with 
growing ferns and a photograph or engraving in a frame 
of burled wood of any sort. 

A Butterfly Party 
A YOUNG lady entertained a party of friends not long 
-^ since in a way that for pure enjoyment will long be 
remembered. 

She sent out invitations to twenty-four of her friends 
to attend a Butterfly Party. When her guests arrived, 
each was presented with a paper butterfly, and as there 
were two alike, partners were formed by matching but- 
terflies. 

The room in which the entertainment was held con- 
tained six tables, at which the guests seated themselves 
as for whist. Each table was furnished with tinfoil tubes 
of oil paints in six different colors — red, green, blue, yel- 
low, black and white — a block of paper of medium thick- 
ness, size about seven inches long and five wide, a table- 
knife and a lead-pencil. 

After all were seated, the hostess requested each to 
tear a sheet of paper from the block and fold it in the 
middle. They were then requested to paint a butterfly ; 
and this is the way it was done : For about an inch and a 
half down the crease where the paper was folded they 
made tiny dabs of paint from the black tubes. As the 
oil in the paint causes it to spread, these dabs were as 
small as possible and a short distance apart. This formed 
the body of the butterfly. Then tiny dabs were made 
from one of the colored tubes quite near the black line, 
and extending outward an inch or two in the form of a 
butterfly's wing ; and so on until Httle dabs had been 
made from all six of the tubes. These dabs were made 
upon only one side of the line of black dabs, and when 
all the colors had been used the paper was folded to- 
gether down the crease with the knife-blade and pressed 
outward from the center in the shape of a butterfly's 
wing. As they began to press, the colors showed through 



mSCZLLANZOUS DINNEKS AND PAKTIZS \ 75 

the paper sufficiently to indicate in what direction the 
knife-blade should press. 

When the colors had been drawn out as far as it was 
deemed necessary, the paper was unfolded, and a butter- 
fly of gorgeous tints greeted their delighted gaze. After 
the antennae had been added with a pencil the butterfly 
was complete. 

Each person was requested to make five of these but- 
terflies during the evening. Of course each butterfly was 
an improvement upon the first one, being more artistic in 
conception and execution. Each was then requested to 
select the two butterflies considered to be the most per- 
fect of their evening's work, and they were pinned upon 
a large white curtain which had been hung against the 
wall, and the company passed judgment upon them. 
The person whose butterfly was pronounced to be the 
best in the collection was presented with a beautiful but- 
terfly pin. 

The array of butterflies presented a fine appearance 
upon the white screen, and those who had taken part in 
the contest could hardly realize that they had produced 
these dainty creations. 

Refreshments concluded an evening of rare enjoy- 
ment. 

Literary Tableaux 
''TTOW can I entertain a girl who does not dance or 
-'--'■ play cards?'' 

This question can be answered satisfactorily by the 
following suggestion of ''Literary Tableaux." 

No preparation is needed by the guests, who often 
dislike the trouble of dressing *'in character" for the 
parties so much in vogue. In giving the invitations do 
not divulge what the entertainment will be ; surprise will 
greatly add to the pleasure. 

Having assembled and exchanged greetings, each 
one is given a card and a pencil. They are then seated 
comfortably before closed folding doors, or, if connecting 
rooms are not convenient, before a curtain hung at one 



176 zntl:rtainnents ron all seasons 

end of a large room. The hostess must have a written 
list of the books she wishes represented, and those who 
are to take part in each. Care must be taken to give 
each guest some part, and to distinguish no one particu- 
larly except the guest of honor. 

As each tableau is given, the members of the audi- 
ence write on their cards, opposite the number of the 
tableau, the name of the book they think pictured. At 
the end of the evening the cards are gathered, carefully 
inspected, and prizes of simple books given the most suc- 
cessful guessers. 

When the guests are seated, the hostess, or a friend, 
calls out the names of those who will present the first 
tableau. They are told the book selected and how to 
place themselves. The lights over the audience are 
lowered, a strong light thrown on the tableau, and the 
doors opened at a signal. Appropriate music behind the 
scenes is effective. 

Let each tableau remain long enough for the audience 
to see and guess well. 

The tableau at an end and the doors shut, those who 
have taken part resume their seats and others are called. 

Some easy and effective book tableaux are as follows : 

** GOOD-BYE, sweetheart'* (bROUGHTON) 

A ^' lover and his lass'* have quarreled and stand, she 
in a defiant attitude, her back to the door ; he, his hand 
on the latch, looks regretfully back. 

Music — ''Bid Me Good-bye and Go.'* 

** REVERIES OF A BACHELOR*' 

A young man sits before the fire, his chin on his hand, 
gazing sadly into the flames. 

Music — ''Consolation " (Mendelssohn). 

"the choir invisible** 
The doors open on an empty stage ; behind the 
scenes a quartette of mixed voices sings a verse of some 
familiar hymn. 



mSCELLANLOUS DINNEKS AND PAKTIES \77 

**TO HAVE AND TO HOLD " 

A marriage scene. A square of white net, thrown 
over a young lady in white, will simulate the conventional 
veil. 

Music — *' Bridal Chorus** from ^'Lohengrin.** 

A hat much too large, coat collar turned up and 
pockets inside out, will transform a respectable citizen 
into no bad representation of **Hard Times." 

Music — ''Hard Times." 

A pretty idea is to have the first tableau as follows : 
A pretty girl stands by a small table in the center of the 
room. She has just lighted a bright lamp and looks at 
it with satisfaction, a lighted taper in her hand. She is, 
of course, "The Lamplighter." For the last tableau 
have the same scene. The lamp is out, the taper half 
burnt but extinguished, the girl much dismayed. Few 
will fail to guess ''The Light that Failed." 

In most communities there is some young man of un- 
usual height. He may be induced to represent "The 
Talisman" (tallest man). 

Strangers may be pleased by representing books whose 
titles may have a personal significance, such as "The 
Gentleman from Indiana," "The Dear Irish Girl," " The 
Virginians," "The Newcomes," "Our Mutual Friend." 

The following books could be represented with good 
effect: "Les Miserables," "Some of Our Girls," "As 
in a Looking Glass," "We Two," "Queen of Hearts," 
*'The Doctor," "With Edged Tools," "Three Sisters." 

^^ 
The Milkmaid's Recreation 

HTHIS is a new way in which to bring out the favorite 
-*- character of the milkmaid — a favorite because the 
simple costume makes a plain girl interesting, and a pretty 
girl positively bewitching. 

Twenty young ladies should be dressed in dark-blue 
print dresses, white aprons and fichus, and dainty white 
sun-bonnets of modern shape. The hair may be braided 
in two long braids, or left floating. No ornaments should 
be worn. Each girl carries a small tin-pail of the flaring 



1 7S ENTEKTAINJ^ENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

shape. On the platform are arranged the required num- 
ber of milking-stools. If not obtainable, small camp- 
chairs will do. 

At the sound of music by the piano or orchestra, the 
maids appear marching, and keeping time by drumming 
with the finger-tips on the bottom of the pails as they are 
held in one hand. They are seated as the music stops. 
In some of the figures which they give in this introduc- 
tory march, the pails are swung in time to the music, 
carried under the arm, poised on the head with one hand, 
and the drumming resumed with each change. As the 
bright pails flash in perfect time, it makes a pleasing va- 
riety. After all are seated for a brief rest, they arise and 
repeat together the following verses : 

Oh, we are merry milkmaids; 

We greet you here to-night 
With curtsies low and graceful, [Low dow.] 

And smiles of pure delight. 
When all our pails are empty 

We tap a merry tune; [Tap lightly^ 

When full, we poise them lightly 

Like daisy-caps in June. [Pails poised on headJ] 

Like meadow-larks in summer 

We greet the rising sun. 
Some other sons are watching, [Point to the right.'] 

Their daily toil begun. 
A reaper in the meadow 

Swings high his broad-brimmed hat, 
We wave a snowy signal — [ Wave handkerchief.'] 

Don't blame us, please, for that ' 

Oh, we are merry milkmaids; 

We bring a glad surprise, 
For we are prima do?i?tas, 

And artists in disguise ! 
You see we're ornamental ; 

We can be useful too. 
A creamy entertainment 

Is waiting, friends, for you. 

With a sweeping curtsy they are seated. Then the 
different talents of the milkmaids may be exhibited by a 



mSCELLAK^OUS DmKEKS AK'D TATTIES \ 79 

mixed programme. The following may serve as sug- 
gestive : 

A Song of Welcome . . . Full Chorus, 

Violin Solo .... 

Recitation ..... 

Five O'clock in the Morning . Solo. 

Sister Spirits .... Ladies^ Quartet, 

Reading ..... 

The Cows are in the Clover. . Solo. 

Duet 

Recitation ..... 

The Longest Way 'Round . Solo. 

Good-night, Ladies . . . Full Chorus. 

Some appropriate recitations may be found in Carl- 
ton's Farm Ballads, or among Riley's poems. 

If desirable to introduce the funny element, one of the 
maids who is good at acting may be a little behind the 
others in all they do, constantly watching to ^' catch on," 
imitating all the graceful poses the others assume, but 
succeeding in as awkward a manner as possible. 

At the close of the programme, the milkmaids sell 
the pails, as they mingle with the audience during the 
social hour that follows. If the stools are the small, un- 
finished ones, that may be gilded or enameled for orna- 
ments, they may be sold also. The sun-bonnets often 
meet with a ready sale. Refreshments may be served 
and the "' maids " act as waitresses. 

This makes a very pleasing as well as profitable en- 
tertainment. 

^^ 

An Evening With Queens 
A PLEASING, instructive evening entertainment may 
-^ be given by holding what is called a Queens' Recep- 
tion. A great deal of work enters into the preparation, 
but the result amply repays for the labor expended. 

First a person must be selected well versed in history, 
to prepare a paper giving a short description of English 
queens from the time of Boadicea to that of Queen Vic- 
toria. This paper is illustrated by queens in costume. 
The effect is better to have a stage built large enough to 



180 ENTZ'RJAINJ^ZNTS TOR ALL SEASONS 

accommodate twenty-seven queens, who, attired in the 
costume of their time, pass slowly across the front of the 
stage while the paper is being read, each queen coming 
into view as the speaker reaches her part in history. 

The characters must be carefully chosen according to 
age, height, complexion, color of hair and eyes, and in 
some instances by the shape of noses. Upon those repre- 
senting these different characters devolves the task of 
preparing costumes fitted to the different eras in English 
history. These may be made at home, or hired of a 
costumer. 

After the paper has been read, the queens are grouped 
upon the stage and pose for inspection, holding an im- 
promptu reception. The effect is exceedingly brilliant, 
and when the characters are carefully chosen, and the 
costumes becomingly arranged, each queen presents a 
picture in herself beautiful to look upon. 

Several child-queens enter very effectively into the 
pageant ; these also being chosen by some facial resem- 
blance to the child-queen they are to represent. 

Should any be appalled at the amount of work in- 
volved to insure a faithful representation of these historic 
queens, they may rest assured that the result wull amply 
repay them. 

After the literary part of the entertainment is over, 
light refreshments, consisting of cake, frappe and choco- 
late, may be served by the queens to the assembled 
guests. 

This reception is equally suitable for a public or pri- 
vate gathering, and is instructive as well as entertaining. 

A Birthday With the Senses 

SOMETIMES it is much easier to arrange a birthday 
surprise when it is composed of several small gifts 
rather than one large one. For this reason the idea of 
giving presents which will apply to the different senses 
can be most happily carried out. First, there must be 
something which will call into play the sense of seeing. 
A picture or pair of opera glasses will do very nicely for 



msCZLLANZOUS DlNNZ'RS AND PAKTILS 1 8l 

this gift. Then a book for hearing, a box of bon-bons for 
tasting, a bottle of perfume for smelHng, and the materials 
for a piece of fancy-work which will require the touch of 
dainty fingers. 

Besides these five senses there are two others of almost 
equal importance, nonsense and commonsense, for which 
gifts must also be prepared. The first, of course, will be 
a joke, touching on some fad or foible of the recipient, 
as a box in the shape of a drum filled with candy for the 
musician, or a piece of toy furniture for the enthusiast on 
old mahogany. The other gift must be something prac- 
tical, as a pair of gloves, a belt, or a box of note-paper. 
These, with the five already mentioned, will make the 
birthday surprise quite complete. 



A House Picnic 
'COR those who live in our large cities, a real country 
-'■ picnic is almost an impossibility, suitable grounds 
being so inaccessible. On this account it was decided by 
some city girls to have a house picnic, and so relieving 
the party from all difficulties as to getting to and from the 
place of meeting, doubts as to the pureness of the water, 
the dampness of the ground, the possibilities of showers, 
and many other questions which are so apt to harass the 
serenity of picnickers. 

The house was trimmed with flowers, branches of 
trees, and trailing vines which hung in graceful festoons 
over doorways, pictures and chandeliers. The guests 
had been asked to dress the same as for an out-of-door 
picnic, and upon their arrival, each had pinned upon his 
or her back a slip of paper, upon which was written the 
name of some well-known resort, such as Saratoga, Coney 
Island, Nantasket Beach, Narragansett Pier, White Sulphur 
Springs, Coronado Beach, Atlantic City, Old Point Com- 
fort, together with others of local reputation. Each tried 
to guess the name of his paper from the conversation of 
his companions. 

When all the names had been guessed, the guests 
were invited to go fishing, and bring the spoils back for 



182 ENTE^RTAINJ^ENTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

supper. A square of muslin, upon which was printed 
the picture of a fisherman with rod in hand, had been 
purchased at a toy shop, and this had been basted upon a 
white sheet which was hung at the end of the room. 
Each guest was given a paper fish, and after being bhnd- 
folded, tried to pin it upon the hook danghng from the 
old man's pole. The one who was most successful re- 
ceived a small fish-shaped box filled with candies. 

The guests were next asked if they would not like to 
pick flowers, and to each was handed a card upon which 
was painted, in water-colors, a bunch of wild flowers. A 
loop of ribbon, tied in one corner, secured the pencil. 
They were then shown into a room in which were many 
small objects and pictures, each bearing a number, a cor- 
responding set of which were written on the backs of the 
cards. Each object or picture represented a flower, the 
most of which were wild. Sometimes the blossoms were 
directly indicated, as in No. 4, and again the illustration 
only suggested the name, as in No. 24. The flowers 
represented were : 



I. 


Buttercup. 


14. 


Cat-tail. 


2. 


Daisy. 


15- 


Sweet William. 


3- 


Sunflower. 


16. 


Sweet Peas. 


4' 


Trumpet Vine. 


17- 


Ragged Sailor. 


5- 


Lily of the Valley. 


18. 


Bleeding-heart. 


6. 


Morning-glory. 


^9- 


Poppy. 


7. 


Violet. 


20. 


Black-eyed Susan. 


8. 


Dandelion. 


21. 


Fox-glove. 


9- 


Lady's Slipper. 


22. 


Queen's Lace Handkerchief. 


10. 


Bachelor's Buttons. 


23- 


Bluebell. 


II. 


Aster. 


24- 


Everlasting. 


12. 


Tulip. 


25- 


Marshmallow. 


13- 


Goldenrod. 


26, 


Solomon's-seal. 



They were illustrated in this way : /. A cup of butter. 

2. The picture of a book, cut from a magazine, having 
the title blotted out, and showing only the words, '* by 
Charlotte M. Yonge'' (the author of ''The Daisy Chain "). 

3. A colored illustration of the solar spectrum. 4. A 
tin trumpet. 5. A picture of a valley. 6. A card upon 
which was printed ''6 a. m." 7. A picture of a book 
upon which was written, "by Julia Magruder " (author 



JilSCELLANEOUS VINNETiS AND PARTIES i 83 

of "The Violet"). S- The picture of a lion, to which 
had been added, with pen and ink, a silk hat, collar and 
cane. p. A pair of slippers. lo. A variety of buttons, 
poorly sewed onto a piece of cloth. //. A card upon 
which was written, **A well-known hotel and library." 
12. Photograph of a part of a face. ij. A slender stick, 
gilded. /^. A picture of cats. 75. A card with the 
words, ' ' Dear Will. " 16. A few peas in a saucer of sugar. 
IJ. A Brownie sailor, torn and dilapidated. j8. A paper 
heart, ig. The written words, *' Sleep, sweet sleep." 
20. A picture of a girl, the eyes having been painted 
black. 21. A pair of gloves. 22. A dainty handker- 
chief. 2s. A small bell, painted blue. 24. A leather ad- 
vertisement under which were the words, "Never wear 
out." 2^. A box of marshmallows. 26. A large seal 
with the letter S. 

To the one who succeeded in finding the greatest 
number of flowers was given a beautiful basket of roses. 

Supper was served in the dining-room, where all the 
guests sat around the table, the center decoration of 
which was a large oval mirror, having the sides con- 
cealed beneath small plants and ferns imbedded in moss. 
On the mirror were several swan dishes holding nuts and 
candies, while fastened on the foliage were a number of 
brilliant butterflies and moths, which had been borrowed 
from a collection. 

The menu was entirely of a picnic nature and was 
partaken of without knives, forks or spoons. At each 
place was a wooden plate and a Japanese napkin. The 
first course was iced bouillon and crackers. Then small 
baskets were passed, filled with the daintiest of sand- 
wiches, of which there were five varieties — chicken 
salad, sardine, chopped olives and mayonnaise, tongue 
with mustard, and brown bread with cream cheese. 
With these were Saratoga potatoes, olives and lemonade, 
followed by fruit, cake, tarts, crackers spread with guava 
jelly, and peanut crackers. These last were made by 
shelling and pounding fine one pint of peanuts, and mixing 
them with the beaten white of an Qgg and a teaspoonful 



184 ZNTZHTAINJ^ENTS TOn ALL SEASONS 

of sugar. A spoonful of this mixture was spread upon 
saltines, or banquet wafers, which were then placed in 
the oven for five or ten minutes. 

After supper, a few out-of-door games which could 
be adapted to the house — bean bags, ring-toss, etc. — 
were played ; and these were followed by the singing of 
popular songs and old-time melodies', such as an out-of- 
door picnic party might indulge in upon their homeward 
way after a jolly excursion. 

^^ 
Indoor Amusements 

ACTING PROVERBS 

TN this game the company may be divided into actors 
^ and spectators. The actors are each given a proverb, 
which they are to act alone in pantomime. 

The first player may come into the room where the 
spectators are waiting, with a sprinkler in one hand and 
a cup in the other. He begins sprinkling the flowers, 
then he pours water over them, acting the proverb, *'lt 
never rains but it pours." 

The second actor also brings a cup of water. He re- 
peatedly attempts to drink from the cup, which keeps 
slipping from his fingers as he brings it near his mouth. 
*' There's many a slip between the cup and the lip." 

The third brings in a purse containing brass buttons, 
which he takes out and counts over deliberately. Then 
he looks at them closely, and with seeming distrust, 
finally flinging them from him in a rage. Motto: '^AU 
is not gold that glitters." 

The fourth actor appears with a stone, which he rolls 
all about the room. Then he examines it critically and 
shakes his head dubiously. ''A rolling stone gathers 
no moss." 

The next actor brings in a bundle of hay and tosses it 
about with his fork, which he carries for the purpose, 
looking up frequently at an imaginary sky. '* Make hay 
while the sun shines." 

This game is more interesting if spectators are fur- 
nished with slips of paper and pencils, that they may 



mSCELLANEOUS DINNERS AND PARTIES l85 

write down their guessing of each proverb when the 
actor passes from the room, to be followed by another. 
A dozen actors make enough of this amusement, which 
may be followed by 

FLOWERS 

Slips of paper are handed about to each guest with 
pencils. Then the leader, standing in the center of the 
room, reads from a pad prepared for the purpose cha- 
rades like the following : 

My first is as sharp as needles. 
My second as soft as down. 

The answer, thistle-down, is written by as many as can 
guess it in the limit of time given, which should not be 
over five minutes. 

This is followed by others, such as. My first is made 
in a dairy, but seldom served in my second. Answer, 
Buttercup. 

My first wears my second on his head. Answer, 
Coxcomb. 

My first dislikes to do my second when he is called in 
the morning. Answer, Johnny-jump-up. 

My first, though shy, cannot wear my second. An- 
swer, Fo:cglove. 

My first that which makes candy desirable ; my 
second the name of an emperor. Answer, Sweet William. 

My first is a weapon ; my second, where money is 
coined. Answer, Spear-mint. 

My first is the condition of a street gamin ; my second 
a red-breasted bird. Answer, Ragged Robin. 

Many more may be thought of if the leader is quick- 
witted, all answers, of course, being flowers. 

When all are weary change the game to 

PROGRESSIVE INITIALS 

This game resembles progressive euchre, and is 
played on the same plan, and may be played by those 
who object to cards. 

A number of tables to suit the number of guests are 
prepared, and are labeled in order Fruits, Flowers, Noted 
Men in American History, Cities of America. 



186 ZNTE'RTAINJ^ENTS FOR ALL SEASONS 

In the center of each table place twenty-four assorted 
letters face down. These may be pasted on small squares 
of pasteboard if desired. 

After guests are seated at each table, give to each a 
second card on which is written the subjects of the dif- 
ferent tables. 

When all are ready the bell at the first table rings and 
the game proceeds. 

One person turns a letter. If the first table is for 
fruit, and the letter turned is A, the person who turns it 
says apple, and keeps the letter. 

Then in quick succession a letter is turned by each 
person in rotation, until all the letters are exhausted. 

The object of the game is to be the first to think of a 
fruit, flower, noted man or city. When the letters are all 
exhausted at the first table the bell rings, and the game 
stops. The two persons who have gained the most letters 
during the game, progress to the second table, and those 
at the next table who have the least take their places. 

Each person keeps a record on his card of the letters 
he gets, and at the end of the evening a prize is given to 
the one who has held the most letters, or to a gentleman 
and lady, if the game is so arranged. 

^^ 

Progressive Letters 
HTHESE were the words which appeared on the invita- 
-■- tions to perhaps the pleasantest of the season's par- 
ties in a certain Hudson river town. 

**What would it be like?" was the question in the 
minds of the various invited guests, for although they had 
played progressive euchre, hearts, crokinole, and half a 
dozen other games, they knew no letter game except the 
old-fashioned one in which the players draw letters in 
turn and see which can make the most words, and surely 
it would be difficult to make that progressive. So there 
was much surmising and speculating until the appointed 
evening came. 



niSCLLLANZOUS VINNE'RS AND PAKTIES l87 

Then the guests found everything arranged as for a 
progressive card party, except that on each table lay, in- 
stead of the customary pack of cards, a pile of little 
squares of pasteboard, which proved to have letters 
printed on the other side. On the tables were banners 
with different inscriptions, one having, ** Battleships, '* 
the others respectively, ' ' Birds, ' ^ * * Groceries, " * ' Rivers, ' * 
** Novelists,'^ ** Musicians," "Bicycles,'* *' American 
Statesmen,'* ** Actors and Actresses," "Patent Medi- 
cines.'* There were ten tables. 

Four guests were seated at each table, the opposite 
two being partners, as in cards. Each player in turn 
held up a letter, and then there was a race to see which 
could first mention a word beginning with that letter and 
of the nature indicated by the table's banner. For in- 
stance, at the "Novelists" table, the first letter turned 
up chanced to be a T, and Thackeray was called at once, 
the quick thinker and his partner scoring one. This went 
on at the various tables until the bell struck, when the 
couple who had scored most at each table had a star 
punched in their tally-card, and the players changed 
tables. 

Soon all had entered into the spirit of the game, and 
a more lively, animated company it would be difficult to 
find. The variety of subjects gave an opportunity for all, 
and some excelled on " Musicians," others on "Bicycles," 
while two or three proved quick at answering whatever 
the subject ; also bursts of merry laughter testified to 
some comical mistakes, as words were uttered without 
due consideration, in the struggle to be first heard. 

When the game was ended, the partners whose card 
showed the most stars each received a prize of a box 
of letters and set of banners, while those coming next 
were rewarded with little address books having lettered 
edges. 

The game had effectually broken up all stiffness, and 
the rest of the evening passed most merrily, so that all 
went home voting "Progressive Letters" ^/le success of 
the entertainments. 



188 LNTZ-RJAINNZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

A Proverbial Evening 
npHE girl who has ideas sent out cards for a new spe- 
^ cies of evening ''At Home." The cards were a little 
out of the ordinary, in the first place, for they were 
round, about three inches and a half in diameter, with 
''It's a poor game two can't play at" straggling in quaint 
letters around the edge, outside the invitation in simple 
"At Home" form. 

When the guests were all assembled, they were asked 
to draw cards — the young men from one tray, and the 
young women from another — and find their partners for 
progressive proverbs. On each card, to the back of 
w^hich were fastened several slips of paper, was written a 
part of a proverb, and on three other cards were also 
successive bits of the same proverb, the holders of the 
four parts forming one table, which was shown by a num- 
ber in the corner of the card on which was the beginning 
of the proverb. The proverbs selected for these cards 
were unfamiliar ones, most of them of other peoples— 
the Japanese, Chinese, Scotch, German and Oriental— 
which made the fitting together of their parts not so 
simple, and no little fun. 

When each proverb had been successfully pieced to- 
gether, its holders found their table, on which lay four 
cards, those of partners being joined together by lengths 
of narrow ribbon, and partners sitting beside each other. 
On each card were ten numbered lines of words, each 
word pied, and each line being the half of a proverb, 
one's partner holding the other half. The sets of pro- 
verbs at all the tables were alike. 

At the sound of the go-bell, all started in to reduce 
chaos to order. When either couple at the head 
table had together puzzled out the first proverb on the 
list and written it on the slips attached to their place- 
cards, they touched the bell, and the couple at each table 
who had first finished, or more nearly finished, the first 
proverb, moved on to the next table, where they ex- 
changed partners with the couple they found there, and 



mSCELLANEOUS DIMNERS AND PAKTIES 1 89 

all went to work on proverb number two, and so on 
down the list. 

When the ten were finished, there were dainty prize 
calendars, lettered with *'Time and tide wait for no 
man,^^ for the most successful two, and for the unlucky, 
a tiny tin pail on which was painted, ' ' No use crying^ 
over spilt milk,*' and an enormous stick of candy tagged 
with " Every cloud has a silver lining." 

Presently a new lot of cards, about five inches square, 
knotted with ribbon of one color for the girls and another 
for the young men, were passed. On each of these cards 
was written the half of some well-known proverb, one of 
the halves of each proverb being paraphrased into high- 
sounding language ; as, for instance, on one card would 
be, *^ Change the meadow's tender green into dryness,'* 
and the card completing it would read, ''While the sun 
shines," or vice versa, the first half reading, ** Make 
hay, ' ' and the second part paraphrased ; and the guests 
were asked to find, each one, who held the other half of 
the proverb they had, with whom they were destined to 
enjoy the next feature of the evening, which they would 
find indicated in proverb guise on the reverse of the card • 

" He who lives on hopes will die a-fasting." 

MENU 

Too many cooks spoil the broth. 

One man's meat's another man's poison. 
Better half a loaf than no bread. 

Chickens always come home to roost. 
Still waters run deep. 

You can't keep your cake and eat it. 
It never rains but it pours. 

Who dainties love shall beggars prove. 

These stood for bouillon, meat patties, rolls, chicken 
salad, a glass of water, cake, coffee and bon-bons, re- 
spectively. 

After the dainty collation, *^ shadows of proverbs" 
was announced. A sheet was hung in the archway be- 
tween the parlors, and with the assistance of some of the 
guests as actors, different proverbs were pictured, by 



190 ENTL-RTAINJiZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

shadow, and guessed by the merry audience. *^ A stitch 
in time/' *'Many's the shp,'* ''Two's company,** and 
many others which will occur to one, and were easily and 
quickly presented, added to the variety of, and concluded 
the proverbial amusements of the evening. An ingenious 
hostess will be able to vary this programme to suit cir- 
cumstances, and may be assured of its success. 

^^ 
Ideas for Home Parties 
IHHAT a godsend to many a hostess is some simple 
' ' plan to break the social ice and prevent that appall- 
ing silence which is the evil most dreaded by all enter- 
tainers. The devices about to be described require but 
little work for their preparation, and will serve to set the 
tongues of the stiffest party wagging at a lively rate. 
The first scheme might be called 

MATCHING RIDDLES 

Select enough conundrums to allow one for each lady 
and gentleman present ; that is, for a party of twenty gen- 
tlemen and twenty ladies, twenty conundrums are re- 
quired. These conundrums should be based on an im- 
agined likeness between two objects, as, *'Why are 
plumstones like milestones ?' ' The answer is, ' * Because 
they are never found in pairs (pears.)" 

Each conundrum with its answer is written on two 
slips of paper. On the first paper the name of one of the 
things compared is omitted ; on the second slip the other 
name is omitted. If the answer involves the spelling of 
a word in two ways to make the meaning clear, that word 
in each case is spelled to correspond with the part of the 
conundrum given. 

For an example, take the conundrum mentioned 
above. On the first slip of paper would be written : 

**Why are like milestones?'* Answer, ''Because 

they are never found in pairs." On the second slip 

would be written: "Why are plumstones like ?" 

Answer, " Because they are never found in pears. " You 
will notice that when "milestones** are mentioned we 



NISCZLLANZOUS VINNLKS AND PAHTIES 191 

use the word ** pairs," but when ^' plumstones, " the word 
''pears.'* This is often misleading and so adds to the 
evening's fun. 

The conundrums are then arranged in two sets, one 
for the gentlemen and the other, containing the corre- 
sponding conundrums, for the ladies. Each person, on 
entering, is given a slip from one of these piles and then 
tries to find the person of the opposite sex who has the 
other half of his conundrum. The couple are then part- 
ners for supper, for dancing or for whatever is planned 
for the evening's programme. 

Twenty conundrums, suitable for such an entertain- 
ment, are given below. Though they are not all new, 
yet most would probably not be familiar to an ordinary 
gathering : 

Why is churning like a caterpillar ? Answer — It makes 
the butterfly. 

Why is a tournament like sleep ? Ans. — It is a nightly 
(knightly) occupation. 

Why is a proclamation Hke eight drams? Ans. — It 
announces (an ounce is). 

Why is the telephone like a musical director? Ans. — 
It beats time. 

Why is a baggage car like a forest? Ans. — It is full 
of trunks. 

Why is an interesting book like a toper's nose. Ans, 
— It is read (red) to the very end. 

Why is necessity like an ignorant solicitor? Ans. — It 
knows no law. 

Why are women like facts ? Ans. — They are stubborn 
things. 

Why is a bed-cover like a blister ? Ans. — It is a coun- 
terpane (counter-pain). 

''Why is a temperance hotel like heaven ? Ans, — No 
bad spirits are permitted to enter. 

Why is a housekeeper's garret like a comet ? Ans. — 
It is erratic (her attic). 

Why is a kiss like a sermon ? Ans, — It requires two 
heads and an application. 



192 LNTZJiTAINJ^ZNTS TOR ALL SEASONS 

Why are cats like surgeons? Ans. — They mutilate 
(mew till late). 

Why are chickens like farmers ? Ans. — They like full 
crops. 

Why is the figure nine like a peacock ? Ans. — It is 
nothing without its tail. 

Why are prudent men like pins ? Ans. — Their heads 
keep them from going too far. 

Why is a bald head like Greenland ? Ans. — It's a 
great white bare (bear) spot. 

Why is a mouse like grass ? Ans. — Because the cattle 
(cat'll) eat it. 

Why is dough like the sun ? Ans. — Because when it 
rises, it's light. 

Why is a boy doing sums like a serpent erect ? A?is. 
He is an adder up. 

The second plan might properly be called 

ASSOCIATED IDEAS 

For this we select a number of articles which are al- 
ways associated in pairs, as thread and needle, hook and 
eye. As each gentleman enters, one such article, or 
some representation of it, is fastened on his coat, while 
the article associated with it is attached to a lady's 
dress. 

Then the search for partners begins and continues 
until each has found his proper mate. 

A list of articles suitable to a party of twenty is here 
given. All the articles mentioned can be easily repre- 
sented, using either the real articles, toy imitations or 
pictures, and the list can be increased if more people are 
to attend : 

Cup and saucer. Hook and eye. Needle and thread. 
Tooth and nail. Bread and butter. Pencil and paper. 
Pen and ink. Bowl and pitcher. Rose and thorn. 
Shovel and tongs. Bow and arrow. Brush and comb. 
Sixes and sevens. Dust and ashes. Hook and ladder. 
Collars and cuffs. Shoes and stockings. Moon and 
stars. Knife and fork. Salt and pepper. 



mSCLLLANLOm DINNEKS AND PAKTIES 193 

An Oyster Roast 
IT was the simplest and most informal of occasions, but 
^ the few congenial friends who participated in it pro- 
nounced it far more enjoyable than a most elaborate 
course dinner. 

The half dozen guests were seated comfortably around 
a grate fire. The house was prettily decorated in the rich 
scarlet hue, candles furnishing all the light necessary. 
Red crepe paper made an effective drape for the piano. 
Scarfs, throws and shawls in red added to the effective- 
ness of the color scheme. A silver ti^y held cunning 
little baskets covered with scarlet crepe paper, filled with 
salted nuts. The favors consisted of the following lines, 
done in black on parchment and mounted on red cards 
with small red seals : 

THE VALUE OF A FRIEND 

So long as we love we serve ; so long as we 
are loved by others, I would almost say that we 
are indispensable; and no man is useless while 
he has a friend. — Robert Louis Stevenson. 

The simple supper consisted of tea, sandwiches, salted 
wafers, olives, pickled crab-apples, fruit, nuts and raisins, 
and oysters roasted in their shells in a bed of charcoal 
coals. The oysters were placed in wire broilers, and laid 
over the coals and turned until they popped and could be 
easily opened with a sharp, thin-bladed knife. Salt, pep- 
per and lemon juice were served dn them. 

The remainder of the evening was spent in palmistry 
readings, as one of the number had made a study of 
that art. 



A Knickerbocker Tea 

CALLIE PERKINS chose April third for her tea-party, 
^ because the Literary Club she belonged to had just 
finished the study of Irving' s works, and partly because 
his anniversary occurred at that time. As her entertain- 
ments were always original and enjoyable affairs, the 



194 ZNTZ'RTAINJ^ENTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

members expected a delightful time and were not disap- 
pointed. 

Sallie, who was dressed as a Dutch housewife of Co- 
lonial times, received her guests with true Dutch hospi- 
tality. She wore many silver ornaments, and was arrayed 
in a short black petticoat which plainly showed the big 
silver buckles on her low shoes. Her bodice was almost 
hidden by an immense kerchief, and a broad cap in the 
wind-mill style, with a huge bow on top, completed her 
costume, and all declared it a charming one and a most 
graceful tribute to Washington Irving. 

The dining-room was made to look as much as pos- 
sible like an old Dutch kitchen ; this was accomplished 
by removing the rugs from the floor, furnishing the fire- 
place with andirons and crane. The high mantel shelf 
already in the room was decorated with blue delft plates, 
rows of shining tin and a number of old-time cups and 
saucers. 

The table had no particular color-scheme ; the china 
was blue, green or brown Dutch mugs or steins holding 
gorgeous tulips, while the centerpiece was a Dutch wind- 
mill fashioned from green vines and red carnations. 
Each end of the table held an immense cabbage hollowed 
out and filled with fruit of all kinds, and the refreshments 
consisted of little Dutch sausages, brown bread, dough- 
nuts, cheese, salmagundi (herring salad), coffee and cakes 
of various sorts. 

The picturesque looking maids who served wore the 
close-fitting, flaring white caps made familiar to news- 
paper readers by the portraits of the lovely young Queen 
Wilhelmina in Dutch costume. Beneath their caps hung 
their hair in two long braids ; tight round waists fastened 
to short scant skirts ; sleeves reaching only a little below 
the elbow ; and lying flat around their necks were red 
and blue ruffles. Their aprons were made of brown hol- 
land, with the left-hand corner brought up and tucked in 
their belts. 

After supper was over, the following game was played: 
Sides were taken as in an old-fashioned spelling match, 



mSCELLANLOUS DmKEKS AND PARTIES 195 

and the hostess, who had carefully prepared a long list of 
characters from Irving 's works, called out a name, when 
the first contestant was expected to tell the book where 
it could be found ; if his answer was correct, he was given 
a slip of paper bearing the name, but if unable to answer, 
the question was passed to the opposite side. After the 
list was finished the slips of paper were counted, and the 
side holding the most won ; and a young woman who 
had more than anyone else secured a beautiful copy of 
*'The Sketch Book " as a prize. 

When it came time for the guests to depart, they all 
pronounced the tea thoroughly enjoyable from first to 
last. 

A Jules Verne Entertainment 
'THE hostess who wishes to entertain out of the ordinary 
^ has ample scope if she invites her guests on a *' 'Round 
the World Trip in Eighty Minutes." 

For such an occasion the invitations may be as 
formal or informal as she pleases, preferably the latter. 
The hostess who introduced this novel idea had printed 
invitations giving ''Information to Tourists," stating what 
places would be visited, and saying that refreshments 
would be served at the discretion of the company. In 
large letters at the bottom of the page the guide-book 
announced: **No seasickness aloud," and ''The gang- 
plank will be taken in promptly at eight o'clock." 

As the guests arrived they procured tickets in the 
hall, which made an admirable ticket-office and baggage- 
room, and where a gruff ticket agent dispensed coupons 
and itineraries for the round trip. This individual was 
the host himself, who is usually the mildest of mannered 
men, but who assumed an antagonistic attitude when he 
donned his uniform, and added much to the amusement 
by his peculiar mannerisms. 

One side of the room was piled high with baggage, 
consisting of Saratoga and steamer trunks and valises of 
all shapes and sizes, with golf bags and hunting para- 



196 ZNTZnTAINNZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

phemalia, all duly placarded. One trunk, a tiny affair, 
about nine inches long, was labeled by the hostess (in 
honor of the bride and groom for whom the entertain- 
ment was given) " Steamship Matrimony," and was cov- 
ered with tags and labels. A well-equipped news-stand 
in another corner displayed all the latest periodicals and 
newspapers, and had maps, railroad guides, etc., for sale 
and distribution. 

Just at the last moment, when it was time to take the 
gang-plank in, two intentionally belated guests appeared, 
and asked for steerage passage, which the surly ticket 
agent refused them. The two represented a German 
emigrant and his wife, who were dressed in characteristic 
costumes and spoke very broken English. This part of 
the program was carried out by two young men, who 
thought of it themselves, and who carried out the joke 
admirably. 

The journey started from the waiting-room at the foot 
of the stairs, two couples being assigned to each country 
according to their itinerary. The dining-room repre- 
sented California in '49. Signs called attention to Nob 
Hill and Seal Rock, and an old table in the center of the 
room littered with poker chips and lighted with a candle 
stuck in the neck of an empty flask helped to make the 
place more realistic. The attendant was a bandit in ap- 
pearance and manners. 

After making a tour of California the guests went to 
the music-room, adjoining the dining-room, which was 
gayly decorated with flags and represented an ocean grey- 
hound called for the occasion the steamship "Matri- 
mony." Two of the window seats were made up to 
represent berths, and curtains in front of them made state- 
rooms of the cosy corners, and in the center of the room 
was a long table with chairs about it like the saloon table. 
Ringtoss was the game indulged in while aboard the ship. 
The "cabin boy," a son of the host and hostess, a lad of 
twenty, called attention to the photos of himself about 
the saloon during the different periods of his seafaring 
life, and a strenuous plea was made by the deck steward 



mSCELLANLOUS Dm'J^EnS A?iD PAHTIES 197 

for **fees" to help in caring for the **wife and seven 
small children at home." 

At length Japan and China were reached via the 
library, where the guests were received by almond-eyed 
maidens in Oriental gowns, who initiated them into the 
mysteries of fan-tan and showed the fine collection of 
curios, many of which were owned by the hostess and 
some of which she borrowed for the occasion. 

By way of the parlor the guests reached India, where 
a jungle was represented by tropical plants in one corner, 
and from which pictures of savage tigers, lions, elephants 
and other wild beasts glared at the itinerants. The guests 
were invited to shoot these animals, and did so by play- 
ing parlor ten-pins. 

Next on the itinerary was Egypt and the Nile, which 
were situated in the basement. In this brilliantly lighted 
room were the obelisks and pyramids and hieroglyphs. 
The most amusing obelisk was made on a clothes-tree, 
which was covered with manila paper in the shape of a 
pyramid. One side showed the groom wooing the maiden 
fair. Another picture showed them standing before the 
minister taking their marriage vows. Still another repre- 
sented the wife where she assumed her wifely duties, 
Xantippe-like, with a broom instead of a shovel, and the 
young '* Socrates '' was fleeing from her wrath. All these 
pictures were very crude and done in charcoal. 

Nihilists were ordered to keep away from the Nile, 
which was a pitcher of cold water. The Sphynx occu- 
pied a prominent place on a cabinet. The Pyramid 
of Cheops was represented by a mound of mutton 
chops. 

Italy was most unique. The laundry tubs were 
labeled ''Lake Como, '^ " Venice, '^ and the "Adriatic 
Sea," while the stove upheld a placard which warned 
visitors against the famous and eruptive Vesuvius. Ping- 
pong was the game played in this room. 

A climb to the second floor brought the tourists to 
Germany, in which country dominoes were played. A 
watch tied to a bottle of Rhine wine recalled the well- 



198 ZNTEnTAINJiENTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

known poem, and the crown jewels were exhibited in 
the green vaults of the fire-place. 

In another room was the Louvre, the Seine (a fish« 
net), and the Moulin Rouge of Paris. The latter was a 
closet door, which bore the notice, *^ Closed by Jerome. '* 
Vingt um ' * was the fad in Paris. 

England was the last country visited. Over the door 
were several umbrellas, which represented the rains 
(reigns) of England. Oxford and Cambridge were vis- 
ited — the first a small low shoe and the latter a photo of 
some Cambridge girls known to the guests. **Hide 
Park" was a closet, and a work-basket sadly disarranged 
*'Pell Mell.'^ The National Gallery was also in view. 
Euchre was the game there. Finally the tourists all re- 
turned to the ** Matrimony," where supper was served, 
after which the guests danced until the ^'wee sma' 
hours/' 

A Porch Party 
'THERE is no pleasanter form of afternoon entertaining 
-'- than a piazza party in the country with the beautiful 
stretches of landscape all about ; and the guest from the 
city who gets but little of the free out-of-door world will 
be particularly appreciative. Arrange your piazza as 
prettily and comfortably as possible and introduce some 
new game or some new way of doing things to create an 
interest. The following guessing game is a good one 
when entertaining girls, or when a party of girls are enter- 
taining young men. Write the following list of conun- 
drums on slips of paper and pass to each guest with a 
pencil, explaining that the answer in each instance is a 
girPs name : 

1. What an army would do if it found a river too deep 
to ford ? Bridget. 

2. An admirable quality in a young woman ? Grace, 

3. The most prominent of Easter flowers ? Lily. 

4. The time for violets ? May. 

5. A gem ? Pearl. 

6. What papa does with the baby ? Carrie. 

7. How to write a postscript ? Adaline. 



mSCLLLAn^OUS DIUTil^nS A?\[D PARTIES 199 

8. The flower of June ? jRose, 

9. What a scissors-grinder and a trolley car have in 
common ? Belle. 

10. A virtue ? Patience, 

11. An article ? Ann. 

12. First steps in music? Dora {do-re). 

13. Two consecutive letters of the alphabet in transposed 
order? Effie [F-E). 

14. The night before ? Eve. 

15. A little valley ? Adelle. 

The slips are to be collected and the one having the 
greatest number of correct answers may be rewarded 
with some inexpensive souvenir. 

An afternoon entertainment given recently by a young 
lady whose home is in the country was so successful, and 
had so much individuality about it, that a description may 
offer some suggestion to the girl who is thinking about 
these things. The hostess in this instance was the happy 
possessor of a roomy summer-house, and this was ar- 
ranged to receive the guests. Bright rugs and cushions, 
easy chairs and plants made it a very delightful place. 
When the conversation began to lag, the hostess brought 
out a list of conundrums, or guessing game as it is called, 
and when all had finished writing the answers, the slips 
were collected and marked. Refreshments wfere then 
brought out. A tray bearing a chocolate pot, cups and 
spoons, was placed on the little square table by the maid ; 
and while the plates and napkins were being passed, the 
hostess poured the chocolate. The napkins were served 
with a rose pinned to the corner of each, and the little 
tray on which they were piled was a mass of bloom. 

The refreshments consisted of chocolate — Vienna 
style — brown bread, sandwiches and chocolate crackers. 
The cups were removed and chocolate ice in sherbet 
glasses, chocolate cake, angels' food with chocolate 
icing, and fudge were served. 

The young lady who handed in the best list of answers 
received a little booklet containing some of the chocolate 
recipes, the cover of which was decorated with a photo- 
graph of the house and grounds made by the hostess. 



200 ENTLKTAINJ^EN7S lOR ALL SEASONS 

Flower Contest 
T N making preparations for the flower contest, first pro- 
^ cure thin white cardboard and cut it into uniform 
pieces. Six-by-nine inches is a convenient size. Then 
with the aid of old magazines, cheap prints and the nu- 
merous advertising matters now obtainable, cut out and 
paste on the cardboard the figures and symbols that will 
represent, after the rebus fashion, the different flowers 
selected for the contest. Thus : 

1, Canter-bury bell. 

2. Maiden-hair fern. 
J. Chinese prim-rose. 

In looking through a catalogue of flowers and shrubs, 
one can find a great many that can be represented in this 
way, and it will prove a very fascinating occupation for 
leisure moments. Then, too, the cards can be made 
very attractive. 

Blank sheets of paper must be prepared with Flower 
Contest written at the top of the page, and pencil at- 
tached by ribbon to upper left-hand corner. 

About twenty-five or thirty flowers are sufficient for 
an evening's entertainment, as more would be likely to 
prove tedious. 

Before the guests arrive, each card should be num- 
bered and hung upon the walls, attached to portieres and 
curtains, and so disposed as to be at a convenient height 
for all to see easily. 

The prize for the winner could be a bouquet of 
flowers or a potted plant in bloom. 

A Bloomer Social 

'THE members of a club of young ladies recently sent 
-*■ out invitations to their friends to attend a ** bloomer 
social.'' 

At first the young men did not seem pleased to re- 
ceive invitations to a function of this kind. However, 
curiosity is not confined entirely to the gentler sex, and 
the invitations were accepted. 



mSCZLLAK^OUS Dm7{L7iS AT^D TA'RTILS 201 

In the dressing-room was a collection of wedding cake 
boxes, and each young man was instructed to select one, 
open it, and by its contents select his partner for the 
evening. 

In each box was a single leaf, and it was soon appar- 
ent to the young men when they entered the parlors, 
handsomely decorated with fragrant "blooms," that the 
costume of each young lady represented a flower, and 
that the leaf which he bore in his hand would easily indi- 
cate his partner. 

Music, readings and games made up the entertain- 
ment, until the time for serving refreshments was come. 
Then another surprise was in store for the guests. When 
the doors to the dining-room were thrown open, the room 
w^as found to be filled with small tables adapted to a tete- 
a-tete luncheon. Each table had been decorated by the 
young lady who was to serve her guests of the evening 
therefrom, with flowers like those of her costume, and 
the viands corresponded as far as possible. 

The girl who wore daisies, or a daisy gown, decorated 
her table with daisies, served a salad of hard-boiled eggs, 
had her ices in yellow and white, and the cake was white 
with yellow frosting. On the rose decorated table every- 
thing corresponded. 

While such an entertainment is particularly adapted 
to a private party, where there are an equal number of 
ladies and gentlemen, the same idea may be carried out 
for a church supper or some function given to raise money, 
and is a very pleasing variation of the common box party. 
A large table should be set for those gentlemen who do 
not secure partners, if there should happen to be more 
gentlemen than ladies in the gathering. 

^^ 
Foliage Frolic 
A SIMPLE and at the same time an entertaining way to 
-^ amuse a small company of guests is to prepare, on 
cardboard or paper, specimens of the foliage of a variety 
of plants, single leaves being selected of the different 
kinds and fastened to the cardboard with mucilage. 



202 ZNTE-RTAWMZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

These specimens can be taken from conservatories, or 
fn the season from the garden, and should be prepared 
not long before required, as they are easily perishable. 

The specimens are numbered and each guest is given 
a blank paper on which to record his guesses as to the 
name of the plant or shrub from which they were gathered. 

This is more puzzling than one might at first think, as 

a single leaf of a familiar plant often looks like some 

unknown specimen when seen by itself. 

^^ 

A May Day Dinner 

'THE invitations for the festive occasion read as fol- 

-■■ lows : 

Will you a Maying go on 

Friday, May first, 

At six-thirty o'clock 

At the home of Mrs. John Henry Brown ? 

The season was not conducive to an out-of-door func- 
tion, but it was not the less enjoyable for all that. 

The house was made most attractive with huge 
branches of the fragrant cherry and apple blossoms, 
which had been forced into bloom in the house. There 
were hyacinths and freesias and other spring blossoms, 
and an abundance of vines and palms secured at the 
greenhouses. The dining-room was especially inviting, 
with its green festoons, cherry-blossoms and cages of 
singing birds. 

Two pretty children in quaint costumes passed cards 
to the guests as they came in, which enabled them to 
find their partners for dinner. Each card contained the 
half of a floral quotation. As an illustration, one man 
found on his card : 

" We are lilies fair, 

The flower of virgin light ;** 

while the lady's card, which completed his own quotation, 

contained : 

*^ Nature held us forth and said, 
Lo, my thoughts of white." 

— Leigh HunL 



mSCLLLA?iZOUS m?i?iZ'RS ATW PAKTIZS 203 

Below are given a few quotations suitable for place 

cards : 

" A host of golden daffodils— 
Beside the lake, beside the leas, 
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze." 

— Wordsworth. 

We are violets blue, 

For our sweetness found. 
Careless in the mossy shade, 

Looking on the ground. 
Love dropp'd eyelids and a kiss — 
Such our breath and blueness is. 

— Leigh Hunt, 

Sweet is the air with the budding hour. 
And the valley stretching for miles below 

Is white with blossoming cherry-trees, 
As if just covered with lightest snow. 

— Longfellow, 

I steal by lawns and grassy plots, 

I slide by hazel covers ; 
I wear the sweet forget-me-not 

That grows for happy lovers. — Tennyson, 

Here are sweet peas on tiptoe for a flight, 
With wings of gentle flush o'er delicate white, 
And taper fingers catching at all things. 
To bind them all about with many rings. — Keats, 

Pleasures are like poppies spread. 
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed ; 
Or, like the snowfall in the river, 
A moment white, then melts forever. 



The souvenirs were pretty May baskets of various 
forms, fashioned of crepe paper ornamented with flowers 
corresponding with their quotations. 

The dinner was a very enjoyable affair, a different 
flower being used for each course. Small receptacles in 
the shape of pond lilies, roses, hollyhocks, sunflowers and 
other large flowers, held the salted nuts, olives, etc. 
Flower-shaped doilies were used under the wafers, sand- 
wiches, cake, etc. The ice cream was served in the 
shape of flowers. 



204 ZNrZnTAINJ^ZNTS TOR ALL SEASONS 

After dinner was over the guests repaired to the 
studio, where they were furnished with wire, crepe and 
plain paper and other necessary material, and a flower 
contest followed. Prizes were awarded for the two best 
flowers and the poorest. 

Later, the men decided to make a wreath, which 
proved a very wonderful affair, and crowned the most 
popular young lady present Queen of the May, amid 
music and dancing. 

A clever hostess can devise many strikingly novel and 
original ideas for a May party. It need not be a dinner, 
but simply an informal evening affair with light refresh- 
ments. 

Then again, it might be a May basket contest, with 

prizes awarded. Afterwards the baskets could be filled 

with flowers and carried to the children of the hospitals 

or little cripples. 

^^ 

A Peanut Party 

A NOVEL entertainment given by a very popular 

-^ hostess recently was a peanut party. Forty guests 

were present, and after a few minutes of talk all were 

given score cards in the shape of peanuts. These cards 

were about five times as large as regular peanuts, and 

painted to represent them. We took seats at the tables, 

and were given hat-pins. In the hiiddle of the table was 

a pile of about sixty peanuts. The object of the game 

was to see which of the partners could stab and pick up 

the most peanuts. The play lasted only about a minute, 

then the side which had the most peanuts proceeded to 

the next table and had their cards punched. Ten times 

we did this, then the winners were presented with prizes, 

the lady receiving a silver peanut with a tape measure in 

in it, and the gentleman a matchsafe in the shape of a 

peanut. 

After the prizes were given, we were each presented 

with a little bag and told to hunt for peanuts. We found 

them concealed in every out-of-the-way place all over the 

house. The prize for the lady this time was a gold pea- 



mSCZLLANZOUS VINNLKS AND PAKTIES 205 

nut with a gold thimble, and the gentleman won a gold 
peanut with a roll of court-plaster in it. The winners of 
the booby prizes were given little dolls made of peanuts, 
the men getting boy-dolls, and the ladies girl-dolls. 

The refreshments consisted of peanut sandwiches, 
salted peanuts, peanut ice cream, coffee and peanut candy. 

A Mayflower Concert 
'THE following suggestions, although not strictly new, 
^ are certainly original, and may be used to advantage 
at any season, preferably at Thanksgiving. 

The beauty of the concert is that it can be gotten 
up on very short notice by a young people's society, 
or for a parlor entertainment on a less elaborate scale. 
If for the former, the announcements of this novel affair 
should be printed on a cheap, coarse manilla paper. 
Any job office will do the work reasonably. The spell- 
ing, of course, will be built on a system of its own. 

It will be well for those who are going to take part to 
retain their surnames and the initials of their Christian 
names, as Pauline Edith Smith's name will appear on the 
programme, Priscilla Eudora Smythe, etc. The names 
may be inserted in the blank space as follows : 

A LYSTE 

of Sacred Hymns and Tunes, and likewise Worldlie Songs 

which were sunge in ye year of our Lord 

1620, 

And which will be once more played and sunge at a 

GREAT MAYFLOWER SINGING MEETING 

of Ye 

Olde Folkes 

In costume of ye year 1620. 

To be attended at 

YE BIG MEETING HOUSE 

on Monday nighte ye 24th day of 

ye month of November, Anno 

Domini, MCM 



206 ZNTZnTAlNNZNrS FOK ALL SEASONS 

ADMISSION : ONE ENGLISH SHYLLINGE 
(25c.) 

Ye doors shall be open at early candle 
lighte. Ye Syngynge will begin 
at 8 of ye Tyme beater's watch. 



A LYSTE OF PIECES 

PART YE FIRST 

1. Auld Lang Syne . All Ye Menne and Wimmen Syngers 

2. Worldlie Song (Old Folks at Home) . 

J. Sherburne All Ye Syngers 

4. Worldlie Song (Landing of the Pilgrims) 

PRISCILLA EUDORA SMYTHE. 

5. Worldlie Song (A Plantation Melody) . All Ye Syngers 

6. Wordlie Recitation .... 

7. Marseilles Hymn . Tyme Beater and All Ye Syngers 

PART YE SECOND 

7. Sound the Loud Timbrel . All Ye Menne and 

Wimmen Syngers 

2. Worldlie Song (Selected) . . . 

J. Solo on Ye Banjoe .... 

4. Stryke the Cymbal .... 

5. Recitation, ''Plymouth Rock" . . 

6. Olde Hundred . . . By Alle who can synge 

Take Notice : — Forasmuch as no beans or potatoes or 
home-spun bee needed for thys yere, all ye folks who 
come to thys concerte will pay ye money to ye tither to 
bee founde within ye big office, which monie is for ye 
good of ye Younge People's Society. 

9 



Tune Finder and Tyme Beater 

Harpischorder . 

Ticket Seller .... 



WIMMEN SYNGERS 

(Insert old-fashioned names) 

MENNE SYNGERS 

(Insert old-fashioned names.) 

N. B. As ye season is now cold, ye Olde Ladies must bring 

your Foot-stoves. 
N. B. Ye menne are requested to turn their eyes from ye 

maidens whenne they singe, lest they be confused in 

their minds and so falter. 



JilSCZLLANZOUS DINNLKS AND PARTIZS 207 

N. B. Ye small boys in ye back part of ye meeting-house 
will not make a noise with their feet, for ye Constable 
has his eyes on them. 

N. B. Ye menne and ye Womenne will be suffered to sit 
together for ye nonce. 

N. B. Forasmuch as most of ye pyeces be Sacred Songs and 
Tunes, a solemn silence should pervade the assembly; 
yet peradventure some of ye Worldlie Songs bee funny, 
a little laughter will be indulged. 

N. B. Bro. Ephraim Merhelamiah Smith will attend to 
trimming ye candles. 

N. B. Leave ye babies at home. 

N. B. All such as be endowed with strong lungs and a re- 
ligious musikle training may stand and synge in ye last 
tune, which ye same is Olde Hundred. 

N. B. After ye Synging Meeting bee out, ye younge menne 
may choose ye maiden whome they wish to see home. 
Ye marryed menne will go home with their wives. 

Post Script — A beautiful nosegay may with propriety be 
offered to Priscilla Alden, but it is hoped that this will 
be the only instance of the kind, as such offerings have 
a demoralizing effect upon ye womenne syngers, espe- 
cially upon ye young maidens. 

99 



M 



Light Refreshments 

ANY a hostess has worried herself into a headache in 
trying to originate something new and novel, or at 
least out of the ordinary, in the way of light refreshments 
for a social afternoon or evening. 

While chafing-dish affairs are always delightful, they 
are by no means always practical or wholesome. 

Where only one maid is kept, it is wiser to have the 
refreshments prepared beforehand. 

Simplicity should be the keynote in entertaining, else 
hospitality loses much of its joy. 

Hot chocolate served with a spoonful of whipped 
cream is delicious on a chilly evening when served with 
dainty sandwiches or wafers. 

Marguerites, which are made of long salted wafer 
crackers spread with a filling made of the whites of eggs, 
English walnut meats chopped very fine and enough 
confectioner's sugar to spread easily and put together 



208 zntz:rtainnlnts ion all seasons 

like sandwiches, are very appetizing when served with 
chocolate or grape juice. Place the marguerites in a 
moderate oven long enough to make them crisp an 
hour or so before serving. 

A new sandwich is made of thin, even slices of bread 
and butter or round wafer crackers, spread with a filling 
made of one-third raisins and two-thirds English walnuts 
run through a meat-cutter and moistened with sufficient 
grape juice to spread easily. 

Whipped cream with chopped nuts stirred into it or 
dried macaroons rolled fine, chilled and served in sher- 
bet glasses with sandwiches or cake, is delicious. 

Angel cream, which is made of whipped cream with 
the whites of eggs stirred in, molded in small molds and 
packed in ice and salt for two hours, makes a pretty dish 
to serve with fancy cakes and wafers. 

Apples which have been cored and peeled and either 
baked or steamed until tender, but not broken, are deli- 
cious when the cores are filled with chopped nuts with 
whipped cream poured over them and a bit of currant 
jelly on top and served with angels' food. 

Junkets made with the different flavors and served 
with whipped cream and nut cake are simple and easily 
prepared. 

Almond custard, which is an ordinary custard with 
chopped almonds in it, can be served with salted wafers. 

Fruit salads served with cheese straws or cheese wa- 
fers are most appetizing. 

Bouillon and cream soups are often served in cups 
with bread-sticks or sandwiches. 

Women are growing more sensible and beginning to 
be a law unto themselves in the matter of entertaining. 



XIII 

A Parlor Play 

Suitable for a Home or Church Entertainment 



The Lippincott Square Church Coup 
A Comedy in Three Acts 

CHARACTERS 

Mrs. J. W. WiLKiNS, President Ladies' Home 

and Foreign Missionary Society, Lippincott Square Church. 

Mrs. Smith, 
Mrs. Brown, 
Mrs. Jones, 
Mrs. Robinson, 
Miss Harper, 
Miss Fiske, 



Madge Wilkins, 
Daughter of M-RS. Wilkins. 

fi^ A^^^^-^> The Rev. Belford Clarke, 
^yiemoers oj Missionary at Issaqua, Manitoba. 



the Society. 



Janie, 
Rev. Belford Clarke's Servant. 



Sarah, Johnnie, 

A Maid Servant. Brother ^/ Janie. 

Scene I. — Drawing-room^ elegantly appointed, in Mrs. 
Wilkins' s house. Discovers Mrs. Wilkins extrava- 
gantly gowned, seated at table reading letters. 

It is terrible ! Reports from Alaska to our Home 
Missionary Society inform us that ' ' the missionaries there 
are living on pemmican and seal blubber, and holding 
their meetings in native ice huts. The Rev. Ponsonby 
de Witt Stevenson contracted a severe cold by preaching 
from a chunk of frozen snow, and his wife, while wander- 
ing out on an ice floe with her youngest child, spearing 
walruses for breakfast, was shot and severely wounded by 
a hostile Indian, who pretended to mistake her and the 
child — owing to their fur overcoats — for a polar she-bear 
and cub. Miss Sarah Samantha Jones, assistant superin- 
tendent of the mission school, has resigned because of a 
difference with the chief superintendent, she having ex- 
pressed a desire to surprise each native child with a 



210 LNTZ'RJAINJ^ZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

Japanese fan and parasol from the Christmas tree. 
Treasury empty, and no money to pay Miss Jones's fare 
back to Tar Center, N. C. Urgent need of funds.*' 

Matters even worse in the Indian field. Six hundred 
Sioux warriors besiege the mission encampment and 
demand roast missionary for Thanksgiving Day dinner. 
Troops disperse the malcontents, but missionaries abandon 
this field and are waiting for funds to pay their fare home. 

Chinese mob attacks the mission at Chin Pow, and 
smashes the bamboo village with clubs. The Rev. Jona- 
than Belton finds his theological library on the cook's 
kitchen table, and Mrs. Jonathan Belton' s nursery cots 
floating around in the Chinese laundry on the opposite 
side of the compound. Urgent need of funds to rebuild 
missionary settlement. 

Annual report from South Sea Island field. Great 
need of money to replant this quarter of the Vineyard. 
Natives, having forsaken the precepts of former pastors 
and teachers, return to their old savage habits. Wear 
nothing but celluloid cuff buttons and palmetto hats. 
Burn incense to the sun and serve a sailor up in the 
form of soup, who was unlucky enough to be cast away 
on their shores. Dear me ! this is shocking ! Loud call 
for money. ''Your congregation is asked to contribute 
this year to this great cause. Clothe the naked" — I 
should think so ! " Feed the hungry. ' ' But not with 
sailor soup! ''Freely give." Ah, but how little? I 
mean, how much? What have we in the treasury? 
\^Lifts elega7itly jeweled vase from drawmg-room mantel 
and ejnpties contents into her lap] 

A ten-dollar bill, three dimes and an old copper cent. 
What's this? A tin tobacco tag? Mrs. Smith's little boy 
Reginald must have dropped this in ! I wonder [Medita- 
tively'] if little Reginald would work up well into South 
Sea soup? Well, I must lay these matters before the 
missionary meeting to-day. 

This ten-dollar bill \^Firmly] is to go toward buying a 
pair of trousers for our missionary in Manitoba. The 
poor man shall not go without trousers afwther winter, 



APAKLOnPLAY 211 

if I can help it! {^Starts and looks embarrassed'] I 
mean, of course, winter trousers ! 

Come in, Sarah. 

Sarah, The missionary society, ma'am. They're in 
the Hbrary. 

Mrs. Wilkins. Show them in here. 

\_Enter Six Ladies, exquisitely gowned, jeweled, be furred 
and befeathered. Each carries work bag and bundle 
of cloth, Mrs. Wilkins greets them effusively. 
They seat themselves and begin to work. Miss 
FiSKE unrolls a pair of long striped woolen stockings 
and knits vigor misty. Miss Harper fits a sleeve 
into a red flannel shirt. Mrs. Robinson turns up 
the hem of a checked gingham, apron] 

Mrs. Robinson. What is the matter, Mrs. Wilkins? 
You look terribly blue. 

Mrs. Wilkins. Blue? I should think so ! Read 
these reports and pass them around to the others. You 
will see why I am blue. 

\_Society distributes papers and reads, each m^ember making 
some sign of surprise and disjnay] 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Tragically] The whole foreign 
field seems to have gone to pieces ! 

Mrs. Robinson. And it looks as if the Lippincott 
Square Church was depended on to put it together again. 

Miss Fiske. [Decidedly] Well, if that's the case, 
let's set Alaska down in the South Sea to warm up that 
territory a little, and give the Sioux Indians a chance at 
those Chinese mobs. That would straighten matters out. 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Dolefully] Ah, but it's no joking 
matter ! We are expected to do more this year than we 
did last, or be disgraced forever in the eyes of the mission 
boards. 

Miss Fiske. [Calmly] Well, I don't see how they 
can expect anything more of me. Last year I knit a pair 
of socks. This year [Holding up her work at arm-^s 
length] I am making stockings ! 



212 ZNTZJiTAINNZNTS FOR ALL SEASONS 

Mrs. Smith. How much money did we raise last 
year, dear Mrs. Wilkins? 

Mrs. Wtlki?ts. [ Counting on her fingers'] For the 
Madagascar mission, one dollar and a quarter. I 
remember, because it cost us just a quarter to send the 
dollar. Fiji Islands, Shanghai and Ecuador, three-fifty 
each. The calls from these places were very loud. 

M7^s. Robins 071. {^Meditatively'] I suppose because 
they are so far away? 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Doubtfully] I think we divided five 
dollars among the remaining ten fields. At the end of 
this fiscal year we have ten dollars and thirty-one cents 
in the treasury. 

Mrs. Jones. And ten dollars of that we have pledged 
ourselves to appropriate to the missionary in Manitoba. 
We cannot \_Fan7iing he7^self vigo7^ously] lose sight of the 
articles of wearing apparel which we have decided to 
give him, for an instant. I take my stand, as vice-presi- 
dent of the society, on them ! 

M7'S. Wilki7is. \_Soothingly] Why, of course, Mrs. 
Jones, we must keep our promises to Manitoba ! 

M7's. Robinso7i. {Meditatively] That leaves us just 
thirty-one cents with which to rebuild the Chinese mission 
settlement, plant a mission colony in the South Sea — 
islands, I mean, of course — and furnish Alaska with w^hat 
it seems to need most, base-burner stoves, hot water bags 
and magnifying spectacles for the hostile Indians, to pre- 
vent further awkward mistakes. Then there is the fare of 
the missionaries to be paid from the Rockies to the 
Atlantic Coast. 

Miss Fiske. {Alarmed] And I haven't finished this 
stocking yet ! {Kfiits noisily] 

{Enter Two Maids with small tables. They set out 
elegant tea service under silk-shaded la77ips. Serve 
each lady with refreshments. Russian tea, Vien7Ui 
chocolate, Turkish coffee, caviare sa7idwiches, pate 
de foie gras, chicken pates, etc., etc.^ all of stage 
variety] 



A PAKLOn PLAY ±\i 

Mrs. /ones. Such delicious caviare, Mrs. Wilkins ! 

Mrs. Brown. This pate is perfect ! 

Mrs. Robinson. How does your chef make his 
Turkish coffee, Mrs. Wilkins ? I should like mine to 
have his formula. 

Mrs. Jones. You got these Dresden plates at the 
Paris Exposition, did you not, dear Mrs. Wilkins ? My 
husband actually refused to buy this same set for me. 
He said if they had been only four hundred dollars a 
dozen, he would ; but four hundred and fifty was too 
much! 

Mrs. Smith. [Severely] You know, Dora, that he 
bought you the jeweled Bohemian ones. They cost him 
a thousand dollars for the twelve pieces. 

Miss Fiske. \_Lisping slightly] Speaking of cost, 
did you hear that the president of our Free Kindergarten 
Society had six real solitaire diamond buttons on her 
white cloth tailor-made frock, which she had made to 
wear to the Horse Show ! I call that almost extrava- 
gant. 

Mrs. Wilkins. Dear little Mrs. Rose! She is 
slightly lavish. But who couldn't be, on her husband's 
income? She's awfully good-hearted, though. She 
made the sweetest little flannnel petticoats for a poor 
family in Mulberry Hollow. And she actually feather- 
stitched them all around the hem with real silk 
floss? 

Mrs. Jones. [Musingly] Linen floss looks just like 
silk, and it's so much cheaper. They would never have 
known the difference ! 

Mrs. Wilkins: [Brightening] And that suggests 
something to me ! Why shouldn't this Society make the 
Manitoba missionary's trousers and save the ten 
dollars now in the treasury for the remaining four 
fields? 
[All clap their hands enthusiastically] 

Mrs. Brown. An excellent idea ! 

Mrs. Jones. Bravo, Mrs. Wilkins. You're a 
genius. 



214 ZNTZnTAINJ^ZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS 

Mrs. Robiiison. [Aside, Sotto voce'] Poor man ! 
But there, in such a frightfully out of the way place as 
Manitoba, fashions do not go for much, I suppose. I 
wonder where Manitoba is, anyway ? 

[Addresses Mrs. Wilkins'] Do you know where 
Manitoba is, Mrs. Wilkins? 

Mrs. Wtlkins. Oh, yes ; it's — it's [vaguely] Oh, 
up north somewhere, where the map ends in margin. I 
am not sure, but I believe it's right on the, er — the 
margin ! 

Miss Fiske. It's horribly cold there in winter. I've 
read all about it. How the pocket handkerchiefs freeze 
on the board while they're being ironed, and people's 
noses and ears drop off regularly — every winter. Brr! 
[Shivers and takes a sip of chocolate] 

Miss Harper. [Timidly] I should think it might 
be well, ah — to make them, er — fur-lined, wouldn't it ? 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Shocked] My dear! Fur costs 
money ! They might [ Thoughtfully] be wadded with 
cotton. You can get cotton for five cents a sheet. 

Mrs. Jones. And then the material need not to be so 
heavy. Cotton [Enthusiastically] is so warm and so 
cheap ! 

Mrs. Smith. [Animatedly] The very thing ! Let 
us appoint a day at once to begin work on them ! This 
week is taken up with the Horse Show, the opera, Mrs. 
Waddingham's ball and two dinners. But next week 
[ Consults her tablets] I have an evening free. Can we 
arrange for Thursday ? 

[Guests assent to Thursday unanimously. Prepare to 
depart, vtaki^tg their good-byes severally to Mrs. 
Wilkins. 
[Mrs. Wilkins occupying center of stage alone, loquitur] 

Black striped cotton denim at ten cents a yard. 
Lining and wadding, twenty-five cents more. Cotton 
and sundries, fifteen cents. [Counts rapidly on her 
fingers] We can make him [ Triiimphantly] a good, 
warm, serviceable pair for one dollar ! 

Cxirtain falls. 



APAKLOKPLAY 21 5 

Scene II.— Rev. Belford Clarke's s^udy in Issaqua, 
Manitoba, furnished simply but in excellent taste. 
Skin rugs on floor. Deer horns y rods and rifles on 
walls, 
\_Enter Rev. Belford Clarke, young, handsome, ath- 
letic looking— well groomed and wearing plain 
clothing, but of expensive material and fashionable 
cut. Takes off fur gloves, ulster and hati 
Rev. Belford Clarke, This Manitoba weather re- 
minds me of New Haven. Just about cold enough for 
old Connecticut. Ah, what's this? Letters? ]^Reads 
addresses'] 

''Rev. Belford Clarke, Issaqua, Manitoba." 
[Breaks seal of one and reads aloud] 

" I Madison Square, West. 
" New York, Nov. 2g. 
" Dear Belford : Do come home for Christmas. 
There's going to be sleighing I guess. Daddy's bought 
such a jolly pair of bays. Old James says you're the only 
one in the family who can handle them. Your saddle horse 
is getting so fat. Can't I exercise him for you? Parker 
does it now. And Parker can't ride for sour apples, if he is 
a groom. Got your nose frozen yet ? 

'' Affectionately your brother, Jack." 

Rev. Belford Clarke. Dear little Jack ! He misses 
his big brother. And so the old coachman wants me 
to break in the new pair ? \^Pauses and looks off thought- 
fully] I shouldn't mind a week of ''little old Ne' York" 
again, for a change. Who's this from? The governor? 
What does he say ? {^Reads letter] 

My Dear Belford : I enclose check for one thousand 
dollars as per your request. Can't see how a Manitoba 
parish can spend much where there seems to be nothing but 
deer trails, sage brush and pine forests. However, I sup- 
pose you know the needs of your 'people better than I. 
Your mother is saving up five hundred dollars more out 
of her pin money, and she wants to know if you need 
anything for your personal comfort. We've never had a 
home missionary in the family till you left Yale and were 
graduated from the Divinity School in that role, but I 



216 ZNTZ'RTAINJ^ZNTS TOn ALL SEASONS 

shouldn't like my boy to suffer for anything. Neither would 
your mother. 

'* Your sister says you forgot your silver manicure set and 
your leather-backed brushes with the monogram. What do 
you trim your nails with now? And do you find that corn 
cobs make a pretty good hair brush ? 

** Write soon. Affectionately, Father.'* 

[ Wiping his eyes on embroidered linen handker chief '\ 

Dear old Dad ! He's a trump ! Hullo ! Here's a 
letter from the Home Mission Board ! What's all this 
about ? \_Reads'\ 

** Mission House, Nov. jo, 79—. 
" Rev. Belford Clarke. 

" My Dear Sir : The Ladies of the Lippincott Square 
Church have asked for the address of a mission field in Man- 
itoba, and we have sent to them the name of your parish. 
You will doubtless hear from them soon. Kindly acknow- 
ledge receipt of any communications. 

'* Fraternally yours, 

** Sec'y Home Mission Board.^^ 

Hum. This is good news. Lippincott Square 
Church is notoriously wealthy. They ought to do some- 
thing handsome for us. 

\_Knock at door. Small Girl enters with large paste- 
board box~\ 

Hullo, J ANTE. Pretty big box for a small girl. 
[Janie sets down box carefully on table'] 

How's mother to-day ? Better? That's good. And 
did Bob get his fur gloves ? So, now he can go to school 
without freezing his fingers. We'll have a new suit of 
clothes for him soon. And that big doll, Janie. Did 
you think I had forgotten? 

[ Goes to corner book shelf and takes down parcel. Places 
it in Janie's arms. Janie unwraps it. Discovers 
big dolly beautifully dressed] 

Now run along, little one, and show it to sister Nellie. 
\^Exit Janie] 

How little it takes to make youngsters happy ! If my 
purse were only a mile long! [Walks back and forth , 
hands in pockets'\ 



A PAKLOR PLAY 217 

Hullo, I had forgotten this ! 

[ Goes to table y picks up box. Reads address"] 

" To officiating clergyman of Issaqua Mission, Manitoba. 
From Lippincott Square Church. Express charges paid." 

[Opens wrapper. Discloses brown paper package with 

letter on top. Reads letter] 

" Lippincott Square Church. 
Nov. JO, ig — . 
'* To Clergymayi in charge Issaqua Mission^ Manitoba. 

''Dear Sir : Enclosed please to find a contribution, 
which we have long promised (ourselves) to make. The 
ladies of the Home and Foreign Missionary Society have 
taken great pleasure in providing for some of your needs. 
The winters (we hear) are cold in Manitoba, and it would 
grieve us to feel that you suffered from any lack of needed 
comforts. In making personal use of the accompanying 
articles, we trust that you will bear us in kind remembrance. 
*'Very truly yours, 

" (Mrs.) J. W. WiLKiNS, 
" Pres. Home and Foreign Miss. S^cy, Lippincott Square.^^ 

[Rev. Belford Clarke, whistling softly^ gazes quizz- 
ically at the bundle^ takes it out of box^ turns it over, 
looks from it around the room and critically at his 
own clothes] 
Awfully good of them, I'm sure. But I wonder what 
Mrs. J. W. WiLKiNS would say if she knew that *' Bel 
Clarke," as her sons used to call me at Yale, was the 
object of the society's charity? 

Jack and Tom Wilkins and I lost sight of each other 
after I entered the Divinity School. But I haven't for- 
gotten their little sister Madge. Sweet little girl ! She 
never guessed how near I came to proposing to her on 
Class Day ! I've never cared for anyone else. Wonder 
how — \_Pauses and plunges hands in pockets again ; takes 
a few steps back and forth on hearth rug] Wonder how 
Madge would like Manitoba? *' Winters are cold in 
Manitoba, ' ' are they ? Does that mean a ton of coal or a 
pair of blankets ? How jolly odd to be talked over by 
the ladies of a missionary society ! Apparently they 
haven't a notion of my name. Well, here goes. 



218 LNrrEnjAiNMENrrs tok all szasons 

[ Unties string. Takes out half-worn woolen cap such as 
used by longshoremen^ trimmed with imitation fur ; 
a pair of woolen mittens tied together by a piece of 
stringy a frayed woolen blazer of orange and black 
stripes^ and an oblong bundle carefully wrapped^ 
Princeton colors, as my name^s Bel Clarke ! 
\Slips blazer on. It conies half way up his back and 
sleeves end at elbows'] How's this for a Yale quarter- 
back ? Wish the old team could see me ! \_Picks up 
mittens and cap. Turns them over and overy face grow- 
ing blanker each m>inute. Puts them on\ 
What's this so tightly tied up ? 

[ Unwraps bundle and holds up to view before audience 
pair of quilted black and white striped cotton trousers ^ 
heavily wadded^ one leg shorter than the other ^ 
bagging at the knees, puckered at the seam^s and 
flaring at the anklesy like boy^s sailor trousers. 
Turns them over slowly, so that audience can plainly 
see every eccentricity of the garments. Drops thefu 
and falls into chair, wonder, disgust, wrath and 
finally amusem^ent jnctured on his face. He bursts 
into peal upon peal of laughter] 

\^Enter Janie, after knocking loudly on door for som^e 
minutes] 

Come in. \_Gasping and wiping tears from his 
cheeks] Janie, I am going away and I want to take 
your brother Johnnie with me. 

\^Aside] He could just about get into these things, 
and he'd wear them or anything else to please me. 

[Janie begins to cry] Don't cry, little one. I am 
coming back, you know. Now go and send Johnnie to 
me. [Exit Janie] 

The very thing ! I'll do it ! [Looks at watch] The 
train leaves for the East in two hours. [Hurriedly bun- 
bles trousers, cap, blazer and fnittens into portmanteau. 
Exit] 

Curtain falls 



A PA'RLO'R PLAY 219 

Scene III. — Mrs. Wilkins's drawing-room as before. 
Same Ladies assembled in elegant dress. Festive 
air over everything'] 

Mrs. Wilkins. \_Holding open letter"] I am so 
pleased to be able to report from the Manitoba field. 
Here is a letter from the missionary in charge there. 
The good old man seems quite overcome by our thought- 
fulness and generosity. He says : 

*' Dear Mrs. President : Your timely and elegant 
remembrances lie before me on my study table. I have not 
had them out of my mind a moment since they were received. 
Waking, they are ever present in my thoughts ; sleeping, 
they haunt my dreams. I do not know how better to express 
my opinion of the princely munificence of the ladies of your 
congregation than by doing so in person. I shall be in the 
East and in your neighborhood within a few days. May I 
have the privilege of addressing your society at one of its 
weekly meetings ? 

" Very truly, your obedient and grateful servant, 
** Clergyman in Charge, 

^^Issaqua Mission y Manitoba.'''' 

Mrs. Robinson. What a very nice letter ! 

Miss Harper. A pity that he should be old and 
poor. 

Miss Fiske. One would suppose that he belonged to 
our set, wouldn't one ? 

Miss Harper. And to think that the old dear is 
actually coming to-night ! [ Goes to window and looks 
out] It's cold and slippery. I hope he won't fall and 
break his brittle old bones ! 

Mrs. Robinson. . {^Aside^ parenthetically and with 
soft amusement] If he should fall, we may be thankful 
that his clothes are Hke a foot-ball player's — padded. 

l^Door bell rings. Slight bustle heard from without. 
Snickering of Servants, hastily suppressed] 

[Servant without] Yes, sir. They're expecting 
you, sir. \^Fetches in card] 



220 LNTZnTAINJ^LNTS FOU ALL SEASONS 

Mrs. Wilkms. \_ Jumping up from her chair"] Yes, 
my dears, it's he. 

[Walks toward drawing-room, door^ to meet the Rev. 
Belford Clarke, faultlessly attired in frock coat, 
light trousers, white cravat, etc. Ladies look sur- 
prised and charmed. Miss Harper and Miss Fiske 
smooth hair in conscious way, settle their gowns and 
gaze ad^niringly at REV^ Belford Clarke] 

Mrs. Wilkins. {^Excitedly] Why, Belford Clarke ! 
Where did you come from ? I am dehghted to see you ! 
But how funny ! You have stumbled in upon a mission- 
ary meeting ! Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Smith, 
Mrs. Robinson, Miss Fiske, Miss Harper — Mr. Bel- 
ford Clarke, a Yale friend of my sons'. This is our 
society. [Addressing Rev. Belford Clarke] We 
are expecting a missionary from Manitoba, a poor, 
feeble old man whom we have tried to help through 
the winter. [Laughing] I actually thought you were 
he ! [All the Ladies laugh] Ha, ha, ha, a capital 
joke ! 

Rev. Belford Clarke [ Takes chair, smiling blandly] 
Ah, I am glad to see that you do not forget the poor, 
while you yourselves are so highly favored. [Gazes 
leisurely over appointm^ents of drawing-room- and casually 
at the Members of the Society, who look flat- 
tered] 

Mrs. Robinson. [Sweetly] We have tried a curi- 
ous experiment this year, Mr. Clarke. I confess I 
should like to know how it has worked. 

Rev. Belford Clarke. Ah, The Lippincott Square 
Church is so well known, I need not ask the nature of 
the experiment. [Refuses tray of refreshments handed 
to him by Maid] What was it, Mrs. Robinson ? A 
new pipe organ for the Manitoba mission ? A Sunday- 
school library? Or did you raise the debt on the 
church or pledge yourselves to clothe all the poor of the 
parish ? 



A pahloji play 221 

Mrs. Robinson. {^Choking with amusement at some 
thought suggested 3;/ Mr. Clarke's last question'] No, 
er, well, we did not clothe all the poor of the parish. 
Not exactly. No. 

Rev. Belford Clarke. You see, I know something 
of the needs of missions in Manitoba. Which mission 
was it ? 

Mrs. Robinson. Issaqua. 

Rev. Belford Clarke. Ah, yes, I have been there. 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Excitedly'] What ? In that remote 
place ? When ? How ? What for ? I thought you 
were taking a post-graduate course in mechanical engi- 
neering in Paris ? 

Rev. Belford Clarke. [Dryly] No. But come. 
You have not let me in yet to the secrets of your chari- 
ties. I suppose you do a great deal, too, in the foreign 
field ? China ? India ? Alaska ? not forgetting our own 
frontier ? 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Triumphantly] Yes, we have 
made a coup and saved by it nearly our entire receipts 
for the year, which we can now apply to the special 
needs of the Sioux mission, China, Alaska, and the 
South Sea ! 

Rev. Belford Clarke. [Inquiringly] Ah, indeed ? 
You have made a coup ? 

Mrs. Robinson. [Murfnuring] A coup f A pair 
of them — I should say ! 

Mrs. Wilkins. Odd that that missionary doesn't 
come. He should be here by this. [Bell rings with- 
out. Servant enters with card] 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Reading] Show him in, Sarah ! 

[Enter Johnnie, arrayed in cotton trousers, blazer, Uong- 
shoreman^ s cap, and m^ittens tied around his neck 
with string. Walks awkwardly toward stage center, 
and holds his hands out stiffly y like a wooden hnage. 
Grins broadly. Ladies rise and exhibit different 
degrees of consternation^ surprise and amuse- 
menf] 



222 ZNTZ'RTAINMZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS 

Rev, Belford Clarke, [Rising and taking John- 
nie by the arm\ Is this--ih^ coup, Mrs. Wilkins — 
Ladies t 




Enter Johnnie 



[Enter Madge Wilkins, youngs pretty, blushing'] 
Why, Belford ! Mr. Clarke ! I am so awfully glad ; 
I mean I am awfully sorry ; no, so awfully glad. [ Turns 



A PARLOH. PLAY 223 

and looks at Johnnie] What in the world is this? 
Mother, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Jones ? \_Looks appeal- 
ingly from one to the other. Bursts into uncontrollable 
laughter'] Is it a scare-crow, or a patent medicine 
advertisement, or what is it ? 

Rev. Belford Clarke. [Advancing to stage center, 
Johnnie keeping step with him] It is the Lippincott 
Square Church coup— my dear Miss Madge. / am the 
missionary from Manitoba. These "^Turning Johnnie 
slowly around from, right to left] are my clothes, ingen- 
iously constructed for me by the ladies of the Home and 
Foreign Mission Society \_Bows to Ladies], and gen- 
erously donated to an imaginary old, feeble and poor 
servant of the Church. That they should have fallen to 
me, who am strong, young and comfortably supplied 
with worldly goods, is a happy accident. You can 
picture to yourselves how appropriately this costume 
\_Bows to Ladies again] would have clothed the sup- 
posititious missionary who was presumed to be old, and 
not only battling with age and poverty, but also with 
the rigors of a Manitoba winter. 

Mrs. Wilkins. \_Faltering] Belford, this is too 
bad ! I did not know ; I never thought 

Mrs. Robinson. [Solem^nly] Those clothes, Mr. 
Clarke, cost us a whole dollar, I do assure you. And 
we have nine dollars and thirty-one cents left, to divide 
among foreign savages and our own pet Sioux. I am 
sure that ought to help on the triumphant progress of the 
Church Militant! 

Madge. [Almost crying] What will you think of 
us, Mr. Clarke ! I am sure you will never forgive — 
that. [Pointing to Johnnie] 

Mrs. Wilkins. [Advancing and offering her hand 
gracefully] Well, Belford, you have taught me a good 
lesson. An object lesson, I may say. 

3frs. Robinson. [Aside, gazing at Johnnie] Object? 
I should think so ! 

3irs. Wilkins. [To Society] Come, we will take 
up a collection on the spot for home and foreign mis- 



224 ENTZJiTAINJ^ENTS WK. ALL SEASONS 

sions. How much from you, Mrs. Robinson ? I will 
give one thousand dollars. 

Mrs. Robinson. You may put me down for fifteen 
hundred. 

Mrs, Brown. And me. 

Mrs. Jones. I will give a thousand. 

Mrs. Smith. And I. 

Miss Fiske. You may put me down for a thousand, 
too, dear Mrs. Wilkins. 

Miss Harper. And me. 

Rev. Belford Clarke. This is more like it. I knew 
your generous impulses must be only sleeping, not dead. 

[Advances up stage to center with Madge and Johnnie. 
Members of Society group themselves in rear, con- 
versing in undertones to Mrs. Wilkins and each 
otherl 

Rev. Belford Clarke. [Earnestly^ And may I not 
put my name down too, Miss Wilkins, Madge ? 

Madge. [Surprised^ Your name ? What for ? 

Rev. Belford Clarke. [Smiling down at her'] Can't 
you guess ? 

Madge. [Shyly] No. 

Rev. Belford Clarke. Subscribe myself Yours, Bel- 
ford Clarke, Home Missionary at Issaqua, Manitoba. 
Dear, I love you. I have always loved you, you know. 
Will you marry me? 

Madge. [Faltering] If I thought you really cared, 
Belford — Mr. Clarke. 

Rev. Belford Clarke. [Kissing her hand under 
cover ^Johnnie's shoulder] I care for nothing else on 
earth so much, sweetheart. Is it yes or no ? [ Takes 
both her hands in his] Tell me, Madge ! 

Madge. It is yes, Belford — dear. 

Curtain. 



AU 



CAT. O'J 

1 en.:. 



AUG 22 19C4 



